Word: Polemic
Part of Speech: Noun (and can also be used as an adjective)
Definition: 1. As a noun: A polemic is a strong argument or disagreement about a belief or opinion. It often involves passionate and bold statements. 2. As an adjective: When something is described as polemic, it means it involves a dispute or a controversial argument.
Usage Instructions: - Use "polemic" when talking about debates or arguments, especially those that are heated or involve strong beliefs. - You can use it in both written and spoken English when discussing opinions, beliefs, or controversies.
Examples: 1. Noun: "The article was a polemic against the government's new policies." 2. Adjective: "His polemic views on climate change sparked a lot of discussions."
Advanced Usage: - In academic writing, a polemic might be used to describe a text that challenges established ideas or theories. - In literature, a polemic can be a work that aims to persuade the reader to adopt a specific viewpoint.
Word Variants: - Polemicist (noun): A person who engages in polemics or controversial debates. - Example: "She is a well-known polemicist in the field of political theory."
Different Meaning: - While "polemic" generally refers to arguments and disputes, it can also imply a writing style that is confrontational and critical, especially in scholarly contexts.
Synonyms: - Argument - Dispute - Controversy - Debate
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use "polemic," but you might encounter phrases like "engage in a polemic" or "launch a polemic" to describe starting a debate or argument.
Conclusion: In summary, "polemic" is a useful word for discussing arguments, controversies, or strong disagreements about beliefs.