polemical
/pɔ'lemik/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Relating to or involving strong, often written, disagreement or controversy: The word describes something that is characterized by, or given to, heated debate, argument, or dispute, typically on a controversial topic.
Usage
The adjective "polemical" is used to describe speech, writing, arguments, or a person's style that is aggressively critical or disputatious. It implies a confrontational approach intended to challenge or refute a specific position.
Examples
- The author's polemical essay sparked a fierce debate in academic circles.
- His tone was highly polemical, leaving little room for constructive dialogue.
- The review was not just critical; it was a polemical attack on the director's entire body of work.
Advanced Usage
- Polemical discourse: Refers to communication or debate that is fundamentally argumentative and controversial in nature.
- The political talk show devolved into pure polemical discourse, with guests shouting over each other.
- To write/talk in a polemical vein: To express oneself in a manner that is deliberately argumentative.
- The columnist often writes in a polemical vein to provoke reader engagement.
Variants and Related Words
- Polemic (noun): A strong verbal or written attack, or a passionate controversy or debate.
- His latest book is a fierce polemic against modern economic policies.
- Polemicist (noun): A person who engages in controversial debate or writes polemics.
- She is known as a brilliant but ruthless polemicist.
Synonyms
- Controversial: Giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement.
- Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- Argumentative: Given to arguing; characterized by argument.
- Disputatious: Fond of or causing heated arguments.
Antonyms
- Conciliatory: Intended or likely to placate or pacify.
- Irenic: Aiming or aimed at peace.
- Uncontroversial: Not likely to cause disagreement or argument.
Adjective
- of or involving dispute or controversy