Words / C1

p-uh-LEM-ikl/pəˈlemɪkl/

Polemical means written or spoken as a strong attack on an opposing view: polemical copy, a polemical minute. Argument (already in the dictionary) is everyday; attack-copy is not a finding.

Meaning

Written or spoken as a strong attack on an opinion (from argument, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Polemical copy is not a finding; put the raw n in the cell.”
• “Argument is already in this course. Combative is the close twin. Attack-copy is comms. A codebook line is methods. Write the raw number; then keep the polemic if the clause still sits on a fact.”

Good to know

Strongly attacking a view. Everyday: argument (already in the dictionary). Attack-copy ≠ a finding.

Near in meaning

combative, contentious, argumentative

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