Words / C2

p-uh-LEM-ik/pəˈlemɪk/

A polemic is a strong written or spoken attack on a person, idea, or policy: a fierce polemic, launch a polemic. Argument (already in the dictionary) is everyday and calmer; invective (already in the dictionary) is abusive language. Polemical is the adjective. Do not call a numbered methods objection a polemic to shut it down.

Meaning

A strong written or spoken attack on a person, idea, or policy.

Examples

• “A polemic in the corridor is not a methods comment.”
• “Argument is everyday (already in the dictionary). A diatribe is a bitter rant. Invective is insult as attack (already in C2). Debate can be sharp and still dated. Heat in the corridor is not a finding. Table the two figures. Rhetoric is allowed after the cell is named.”

Good to know

A fierce argumentative attack. Everyday: attack / rant. Close: invective (already in C2). A dated comparison is not a corridor scene.

Near in meaning

attack

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