polemic Definition
po·lemic (pō lem′ik, pə-)
adjective
- of or involving dispute; controversial
- argumentative; disputatious
Etymology: Fr polémique < Gr polemikos < polemos, war < IE *pelem < base *pel-, to shake, cause to tremble > L palpitare, to tremble
noun
- an argument or controversial discussion
- a person inclined to engage in argument or disputation
polemic Related Forms
po·lem′i·cally adverb
polemic Synonyms
polemic
modif.
polemic Usage Examples
Converse of object
- write: Around AD 522, he wrote a magnificent polemic about the ' collapse ' of the service.
- produce: As with any conflict, this period has produced considerable polemic.
- direct: The text, first published in Italy during 1985, clearly shows signs of its original purpose, a polemic directed against the PCI.
- find: Neither in Militant nor in Socialist Appeal will one find polemics, not even between each other.
- hard-hit: He has produced a brave, hard-hitting, readable polemic.
- become: Up to this point the introduction seems set fair to become a polemic, but Arnheim then changes tack.
Preposition: against
- Christianity: Thus the Islamic polemic against Christianity has centered on the doctrine of Trinity.
- war: Despite these associations Reconciliation neither satisfies as a polemic against war, nor as a declaration of peace.
- injustice: Boasting excellent performances from everyone involved, the film is an assured polemic against the many injustices brought on the innocent by bullyboy politics.
Adjective modifier
- passionate: A passionate revolutionary polemic from the unvanquishable spirit of Albion's finest.
- political: Leaving the political polemic aside, Dike & The Blazers are a truly awesome group.
- powerful: He also launched a powerful polemic against the growing movement for US intervention in Mexico.
Modifies a noun
interpretation: They both come from a polemic interpretation of scripture as literal truth.
Noun used with modifier
- anti-idol: These range from the creation account in Genesis to the anti-idol polemic of Isaiah.
- pagan: He does not descend to the lower level of pagan polemics.
Browse dictionary entries near polemic
- ‹ polecat
- ‹ poleax
- ‹ pole vault
- ‹ pole horse
- ‹ pole bean
- ‹ Pole Attachment Act
- ‹ pole attachment
- ‹ pole
- ‹ polder
- ‹ polaron

