Daily Word Box

Word

bipolar

adjective B2

Meanings

adjective

Relating to bipolar disorder, a mental health condition marked by episodes of depression and episodes of unusually elevated or irritable mood.

Visual cue for bipolar — meaning 1
adjective

Having two opposite poles or extremes; involving two contrasting directions or states.

Visual cue for bipolar — meaning 2

Definition

Bipolar describes a condition or situation with two opposite states or extremes.

Bipolar most often refers to bipolar disorder, a mental health condition involving shifts between depression and periods of unusually high or irritable mood. It can also describe something that has two opposite poles or extremes, such as certain electrical devices or viewpoints. In everyday use, it should be used carefully and accurately, especially when talking about people.

Examples

  • She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her twenties.
  • He takes medication to manage his bipolar symptoms.
  • The therapist explained how bipolar episodes can affect sleep and energy.
  • The engineer used a bipolar transistor in the circuit design.