polemic
1
8.7
- adjective
- /pəˈlɛmɪk/
- Formal
:
polémico
- Moreover, some professors are even restricted from discussing contradictory topics in their classrooms, particularly polemic issues focusing on abortion, artificial contraception, and birth control.
Examples
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The article presented a polemic view on climate change that sparked intense debate among readers.
-
So now it's polemic time, people.
Blog text (27) -
It's apparently not polemic enough?
Blog text (20) -
At these polemic remarks, however, her good intentions evaporated.
Fiction book (1990) -
The media's credibility was inevitably tarnished by the polarization within Turkish society, as reflected in highly polemic headlines.
Academic text (2000) -
This study further illustrates that if consensus is not reached soon relative to cause and characteristics, this confusion will continue to escalate and confound this already polemic topic.
Academic text (1997) -
Thus, communication with the public is also the way that the public will learn, be empowered, and be able to get beyond the polemic or extremist presentations that inflame concern and undermine active public engagement in the challenges.
Academic text (2012) -
His speech was filled with polemic arguments against the proposed policy changes.
-
She wrote a polemic essay that criticized the traditional views on education.
Synonyms
423
5.0
Likely to cause strong public disagreement
62
7.4
Causing people to disagree or argue
4
9.0
To make strong critical arguments in writing or speech that cause debate
How Critical
Surface Forms
Morphology
polemic = polem + ic
The adjective is formed with '-ic' but the morphemic root is not a productive standalone English word, so the specific meaning 'relating to strong criticism or controversy' is not transparently derived by an average learner from the parts.
Etymology
The word polemic comes from Greek polemikos 'warlike', from polemos 'war'. That's why we call writing or speech 'polemic' when it uses strong, attacking criticism.