polemic
Say it: puh-LEM-ik /pəˈlɛmɪk/ · noun
What “polemic” means
A forceful spoken or written attack on opinions or policies.
More precisely: A strong verbal or written attack on someone's opinions or policies.
Example: “Her blog post was a fierce polemic against open-plan offices.”
When to use it
For a fierce speech, essay or article attacking a position. Usually formal and more combative than an ordinary criticism.
Similar words
diatribe, tirade, broadside
Where it comes from
From Greek polemikos, 'warlike', from polemos 'war'.
Quick check
A resident delivers a fierce speech attacking the council's decision to close every playground. What kind of speech is it?
a tribute or a polemic?
Show the answer
a polemic
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “polemic”