WordGarden.iopolemic
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pɒlˈɛmɪk/
US
- /pəˈlɛmɪk/
Meanings
Noun
a strong attack in speech or writing on an idea, policy, or person
Adjective
strongly attacking or argumentative in speech or writing
Beyond the definition
A polemic is not just a simple disagreement. It is a strong, often public attack on an idea, belief, or opponent, usually in speech or writing. It is the kind of argument someone makes when they want to defend one side and strongly challenge the other. You will often see this kind of language in politics, religion, social debates, or sharp cultural criticism.
The word polemic comes from the Greek word for "battle" and originally referred to a style of writing used to defend a doctrine or refute an opposing argument. Today, it describes a forceful, controversial argument or piece of writing characterized by strong opinions, often presented with hostility and aimed at discrediting an opponent's position.
A polemic is not simply about presenting facts. It is about taking a clear side and arguing for it in a forceful way. It may sound harsh, angry, or highly critical, because its purpose is usually to persuade, challenge, or attack rather than to stay neutral. Polemics are common in political writing, religious disputes, and any setting where people strongly disagree about important ideas.
Think of the writings of Martin Luther against the Catholic Church—those were powerful polemics. Or consider a scathing review of a new movie that isn't just critical but actively seeks to dismantle its artistic merit; that's also a polemic. The key is the combative nature and the clear intention to persuade (or even provoke) rather than simply inform.
So, if you encounter a heated debate filled with passionate attacks and strong convictions, chances are you're witnessing—or reading—a polemic. It's a verbal battleground where ideas clash and opinions collide.
Examples
- 1
Article review
The article began as a review, but it quickly turned into a polemic.
- 2
Prison system
Her new book is a polemic against the private prison system.
- 3
Political speech
The speech was less a policy plan than a political polemic.
- 4
Culture writing
The magazine is known for sharp polemics on culture and religion.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Historical writing
The book works well as polemic, but it is weak as history.
- Phraseas polemic
as strong argument, not neutral analysis
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- defense
- dialogue
Used with (collocations)
- write a polemic
- political polemic
- religious polemic
- polemic against
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- polemicnounadjective
Forms
- polemicspluralnounadjective