Polemic
Word of the Day
What is Polemic?
noun
A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to remind us that argument can illuminate as well as inflame.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The tract reads like a polemic rather than a study.
He launched a polemic at the conference.
Their exchange devolved into polemics and barbs.
Word Origins
Greek polemikos “warlike, hostile”
Shares a root with “polemon,” war.
First appearance in English: 17th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
A famed polemicist dominated the debate.
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Adjective:
Her polemical tone alienated allies.
-
Noun:
The speech slid into a diatribe.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: polémica (escrito polémico)
- French: polémique
- German: Polemik
- Italian: polemica
- Portuguese: polêmica
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Diatribe
Angry harangue; polemic can be reasoned but combative.
Jeremiad
Long lament about decline; polemic targets an opponent.
Philippic
Scathing denunciation; a classical subtype of polemic.
Fun Facts
- Polemic can be a genre (polemicist as author).
- Classic polemics helped define Enlightenment debates.
Cultural Usage
- Reformation pamphlets were blistering polemics.
- Opinion pages thrive on polemical voices.
Common Mistakes
Not just “argument”; a polemic aims to vanquish.
Micro Story
Her essay was a polemic against surveillance capitalism.