Polemicist: meaning, definitions and examples

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polemicist

 

[ pəˈlɛmɪsɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

debate, argument

A polemicist is a person who engages in controversial debate or argumentation. This individual often takes a strong position on a particular issue and is known for their vigorous and argumentative style of writing or speaking.

Synonyms

arguer, controversialist, debater, disputant.

Examples of usage

  • The polemicist wrote a scathing article on social media ethics.
  • As a polemicist, he didn't shy away from heated discussions.
  • Her reputation as a polemicist was solidified after her book on climate change was published.
  • The polemicist challenged the status quo in his latest debate.
  • During the panel, several polemicists clashed over economic policy.

Translations

Translations of the word "polemicist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polêmico

🇮🇳 विवादास्पद

🇩🇪 Polemiker

🇮🇩 polemik

🇺🇦 полеміст

🇵🇱 polemist

🇯🇵 論争者

🇫🇷 polémiste

🇪🇸 polémico

🇹🇷 polemiği

🇰🇷 논쟁가

🇸🇦 مجادل

🇨🇿 polemik

🇸🇰 polemista

🇨🇳 争论者

🇸🇮 polemičar

🇮🇸 polemiker

🇰🇿 полемист

🇬🇪 პოლემისტი

🇦🇿 polemiq

🇲🇽 polémico

Etymology

The word 'polemicist' originates from the Greek word 'polemikos', which means 'warlike' or 'hostile', deriving from 'polemos' meaning 'war'. It entered the English language in the early 18th century, particularly in contexts related to philosophical, political, or religious debates. The term has been used to describe individuals who engage in polemics - a form of writing or speech that aggressively criticizes or defends a particular doctrine, theory, or movement. Historically, polemicists played significant roles in shaping public discourse, especially during periods of societal upheaval or ideological conflicts, by voicing dissent or advocating for specific viewpoints through passionate arguments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,838, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.