polemic
puh-LEM-ik
/pəˈlɛmɪk/
A strong verbal or written attack on someone's opinions, beliefs, or principles.
A polemic is not a balanced argument; it is a one-sided, aggressive, and often brilliant attack. It is common in politics, religion, and philosophy.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'polemos' (war). A polemic is literally 'verbal warfare'. It was originally used to describe the art of war before being applied to the war of ideas.
Word relationships
- diatribe: A diatribe is often more bitter and less intellectually structured than a polemic.
- panegyric: A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something.
Commonly confused with
- argument: An argument can be balanced; a polemic is intentionally aggressive and biased.
Word family
- polemical (adjective): Relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech.
- polemicist (noun): A person who writes or speaks in a polemical way.
Collocations
- fierce polemic
- political polemic
- religious polemic
Example sentences
- "His latest book is a fierce polemic against the current administration's economic policies." Describing a fierce political book.
Memory hook
Think of a 'pole' being used as a weapon in a fight. A polemic is a weaponized argument. Polemic: Verbal war.
When not to use
Not for a casual argument; it implies a structured, intellectual assault.
Fun facts
- The study of war is called 'polemology'.
Related words
Explore more words
iconoclastic, harangue, dogmatism, iconoclasm, vociferous, heckle
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