Polarity (noun)

1. The state of having two opposite poles or directions.
2. A positive or negative charge or electric polarity.
3. A positive or negative quality or attribute, such as good and evil.
4. The direction of a magnetic field.
5. The way in which two things are opposed to each other, creating a balance.

Origin:

From latin polaritas, from polus, 'pole'.

Examples:

1. The polarity of the magnet was reversed during the experiment.
2. The polarity of the electrical charge can be determined with a voltmeter.
3. The polarity of the battery was checked to see if it was dead.
4. The polarity of the situation was that one group was for the proposal, and the other was against it.
5. The polarity of the debate was clear, with one side arguing for stricter gun laws and the other side arguing for more lenient laws.