polemic

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology)
  2. noun a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
  3. adjective of or involving dispute or controversy

Etymology

From French polémique, from Ancient Greek πολεμικός (polemikós, “of war”), from πόλεμος (pólemos, “war”). By surface analysis, polem- + -ic.

In classic literature

Synonyms

polemicist, polemist

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