rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypolemicForceful argument
noun / adjective

polemic

puh-LEM-ik/pəˈlemɪk/

A forceful argument against a belief or position.

The speaker delivers a polemic against the belief that Earth is flat.

A forceful public argument attacking a flat-Earth belief: a speaker confronts the opposing model with concrete, contrasting evidence, making the attack about an idea rather than a person.
Etymology
polemGreekwar
+icGreekpertaining to

The pieces give “pertaining to war,” supplying an image of argument as verbal combat. The noun first meant a controversy or controversial argument, leading to its use for a forceful attack on a belief.

In context

Revolutionary Communist Party7:32
the two of them collaborated to to produce a polemic against the young hegelians
The revolutionary ideas of Friedrich Engels

More examples

  • Her book is a polemic against the idea that success depends entirely on talent.
  • The magazine publishes polemics challenging popular economic theories.
  • His polemic essay attacks the belief that wealth measures human worth.

Forms

polemic · polemics

polemical adjective — Expressing a forceful attack on an opinion.

polemicist noun — A writer who forcefully attacks opposing views.

Similar words

critique
A critique evaluates weaknesses without necessarily attacking a position.
diatribe
A diatribe emphasizes bitter denunciation rather than reasoned opposition.