Polemical

usgb/pəˈlemɪkl/
adjective

Related to or involving strongly critical or disputatious writing or speech.

Her polemical approach to debating causes some arguments.
Visual representation of "polemical" - Related to or involving strongly critical or disputatious writing or speech.

Often appears as...

  • polemical essay
  • polemical style

Usage tips

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Academic

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Visual representation of "polemical"
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Critical Tone

Polemical refers to a tone that's critical and sometimes aggressive, typically used to challenge or argue against a belief.

Illustration for Critical Tone
His polemical writings challenged the mainstream viewpoint.
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Debate Setting

Use 'polemical' in situations where debate or argumentation is happening, especially when someone is taking a firm, oppositional stance.

Illustration for Debate Setting
The panel discussion turned polemical with differing opinions clashing.
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Academic Context

In academic contexts, 'polemical' can describe texts or discussions that engage in scholarly debates, employing thorough critique.

Illustration for Academic Context
The professor's polemical treatise sparked debate in the field.
Word comparison image

Compare with

argumentumbelligerentcombativecontentiouscontroversialhostilepugnaciousquarrelsome
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Visual representation of the word "Polemical"

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