philippic
/fi'lipik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A philippic is a formal speech or piece of writing that is a bitter, passionate, and lengthy verbal attack or denunciation against someone or something. It is characterized by its harsh criticism, invective, and often angry tone.
Usage
A philippic is used to describe a specific type of rhetorical attack. It is a formal term, often used in historical, political, or literary contexts to label a tirade or harangue that is particularly fierce and condemnatory.
Examples
- The senator delivered a furious philippic against the new tax policy, accusing its supporters of betraying the public trust.
- Her article was more than a critique; it was a scathing philippic aimed at the entire leadership of the organization.
- The critic's review of the film degenerated into a personal philippic against the director.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The term originates from the orations of the Athenian orator Demosthenes, who delivered speeches (the ) denouncing King Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC. The Roman orator Cicero later adopted the term for his own speeches attacking Mark Antony.
- Figurative Use: While traditionally a spoken address, the term can be applied figuratively to any lengthy written condemnation, such as a blog post, editorial, or open letter, that matches the tone and intensity of an oral philippic.
Variants and Related Words
- Philippic is the standard noun form. There is no direct adjectival form (like "philippical") in common modern usage, though it is occasionally seen in older texts.
Synonyms
- Diatribe: A forceful and bitter verbal attack.
- Tirade: A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.
- Harangue: A lengthy and aggressive speech.
- Invective: Insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.
- Denunciation: The public condemnation of someone or something.
Antonyms
- Panegyric: A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something.
- Eulogy: A speech or piece of writing that praises someone, typically someone who has just died.
- Encomium: A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
- Acclamation: Loud and enthusiastic praise.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To deliver/launch a philippic: This is the standard collocation for giving such a speech.
- The union leader launched into a philippic against management's latest offer.
Noun
- a speech of violent denunciation