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Definition of polemic

A strong argument or attack on a particular belief, doctrine, or person.
"His polemic against censorship championed the freedom of speech."

Detailed Meaning of Polemic

It is often used to describe writing, speech, or other forms of communication that are intended to challenge or refute a particular point of view. Polemics can be used to argue for or against a particular idea or belief, and they are often characterized by their strong language, emotive tone, and the use of logical, moral, or ideological reasoning. Polemics can be found in a wide range of forms of communication, such as political speeches, religious texts, and academic articles. They can also be found in popular media such as newspapers, magazines, and online forums. A polemic can be seen as a type of argumentation, where the writer or speaker takes a stance on a particular issue and tries to persuade the audience to adopt their point of view, and often is written or spoken in an aggressive or confrontational tone.

Example Sentences for Polemic

1. The polemic between the two political pundits grew increasingly heated on live television.
2. Her polemic against social inequality struck a chord with many activists.
3. The polemic in the courtroom captivated the jury's attention for hours.
4. He wrote a polemic article challenging the prevailing scientific consensus.
5. Their polemic on the ethics of artificial intelligence sparked a lively debate at the conference.
6. The polemic in the literature class led to passionate discussions among the students.

Origin and Etymology of Polemic

The noun 'polemic' has its origins in the Greek word 'polemikos,' which means 'related to war' or 'warlike.' This term is derived from 'polemos,' meaning 'war' or 'conflict.' In its original Greek context, 'polemic' was associated with the art of warfare and combat. However, over time, it transitioned into a more figurative sense, referring to a strong argument or attack, often directed at a particular belief, doctrine, or person. The etymology of 'polemic' reflects the confrontational and combative nature of such writings or speeches, as if engaging in intellectual or rhetorical warfare to challenge or discredit opposing views.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun polemic:

agreement

harmony

concord

diatribe

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Polemic

1. She crafted a polemic poem that critiqued the societal norms of beauty.
2. The polemic in the newspaper editorial garnered both praise and criticism.
3. The polemic between the rival sports teams was a prelude to an intense match.
4. The polemic documentary shed light on the controversial history of the corporation.
5. The polemic in the art world questioned the boundaries of artistic expression.
6. The politician's polemic against immigration reform drew mixed reactions from the public.
7. They engaged in a polemic about the merits of traditional education versus online learning.
8. The polemic between the chefs over the best cooking techniques was entertaining to watch.
9. Her polemic speech at the rally inspired the crowd to take action.
10. The polemic in the academic community centered on the validity of the research findings.
11. He published a polemic book challenging the conventional wisdom in economics.
12. The polemic on healthcare reform dominated the political discourse for months.
13. The author's polemic against traditional values sparked intense debate.
14. The political polemic criticized the government's economic policies.
15. Her polemic on social justice issues gained widespread attention.
16. The polemic on freedom of speech raised questions about censorship.
17. The philosopher's polemic dissected the flaws in contemporary ethics.
18. The polemic against corporate greed struck a chord with activists.
19. His polemic against organized religion sparked controversy.
20. The journalist's polemic against corruption exposed government scandals.
21. The polemic on immigration policy ignited passionate arguments.
22. The professor's polemic on educational reform led to meaningful discussions.