What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dipolar
Example
Water is a dipolar molecule because it has a positive and negative end. [dipolar: adjective]
Example
The Earth's magnetic field is dipolar, with a north and south pole. [dipolar: adjective]
Example
Her dipolar personality made her both charming and difficult to deal with at times. [dipolar: adjective]
bipolar
Example
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with managing her moods. [bipolar: noun]
Example
The battery has a bipolar configuration with a positive and negative terminal. [bipolar: adjective]
Example
The country has a bipolar political system with two major parties. [bipolar: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bipolar is more commonly used than dipolar in everyday language, especially in the context of mental health. Dipolar is more commonly used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dipolar and bipolar?
Dipolar is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its technical usage, while bipolar can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
