polemic — a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something; a controversial argument
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something; a controversial argument
Pronunciation (IPA): /pəˈlemɪk/
Example Sentences
- The professor's polemic against social media turned into a three-hour lecture that put half the class to sleep.
- Her polemic on healthy eating was ironic, considering she was eating pizza while writing it.
- The newspaper's polemic against the new policy sparked nationwide debate.
polemic
NOUN[/pəˈlemɪk/]
a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something; a controversial argument
The scholar's polemic against the new law ignited fierce debate in the square.
Academic polemic spreads like an epidemic!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French polémique, which derives from Greek polemikos meaning 'of war' or 'warlike,' related to polemos meaning 'war.' The word entered English in the 16th century, originally referring to controversial theological arguments before broadening to any intense dispute.
Breakdown
Greek polemos (war) + -ikos (adjective suffix meaning 'of' or 'relating to') + French -ique = polemic (noun/adjective meaning controversial argument or attack)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The professor's polemic against social media turned into a three-hour lecture that put half the class to sleep.”
“Her polemic on healthy eating was ironic, considering she was eating pizza while writing it.”
“The newspaper's polemic against the new policy sparked nationwide debate.”
“What started as a book review became a personal polemic against the author's lifestyle choices.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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