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polemic Definition

po·lemic (pō lemik, pə-)

adjective

  1. of or involving dispute; controversial
  2. argumentative; disputatious

Etymology: Fr polémique < Gr polemikos < polemos, war < IE *pelem < base *pel-, to shake, cause to tremble > L palpitare, to tremble

noun

  1. an argument or controversial discussion
  2. a person inclined to engage in argument or disputation

polemic Related Forms

po·lemi·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.