Polemical: meaning, definitions and examples

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polemical

 

[ pəˈlemɪk(ə)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

discussion

involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech

Synonyms

controversial, critical, disputatious.

Examples of usage

  • The article was filled with polemical language attacking the government's policies.
  • The debate became increasingly polemical as both sides refused to compromise.
Context #2 | Adjective

literature

of or relating to a polemic; controversial

Synonyms

argumentative, controversial, disputatious.

Examples of usage

  • The author's polemical style made the novel a challenging but thought-provoking read.
  • The polemical nature of the play sparked heated discussions among the audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "polemical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polêmico

🇮🇳 विवादास्पद

🇩🇪 polemisch

🇮🇩 polemik

🇺🇦 полемічний

🇵🇱 polemiczny

🇯🇵 論争の

🇫🇷 polémique

🇪🇸 polémico

🇹🇷 polemik

🇰🇷 논쟁의

🇸🇦 جدلي

🇨🇿 polemický

🇸🇰 polemický

🇨🇳 争论的

🇸🇮 polemichen

🇮🇸 deilur

🇰🇿 пікірталас

🇬🇪 პოლემიკური

🇦🇿 polemik

🇲🇽 polémico

Etymology

The word 'polemical' is derived from the Greek word 'polemikos', meaning 'warlike' or 'hostile'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. The term originally referred to a type of argument or controversy, often seen in debates or literary works. Over time, 'polemical' has come to encompass any writing or speech that is strongly critical or controversial. The word reflects the ongoing human tendency to engage in debate and conflict over differing opinions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,194, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.