philippic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "philippic" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a bitter or violent speech or denunciation, often directed at someone or something. Example: "The senator delivered a scathing philippic against the proposed legislation, condemning its implications for public welfare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But for now, Mr bin Laden has to try to exploit the news, rather than to make it.So it was with his last philippic, an audio recording issued on January 14th, in which he claimed that his jihad against America since 2001 had been responsible for bringing about the superpower's economic collapse.

The Economist

C. 201 - c. 300 Justin, in full Marcus Junianus Justinus (flourished 3rd century ad), Roman historian who was the author of Epitome, an abridgment of the Historiae Philippicae et totius mundi origines et terrae situs (Philippic Histories) by Pompeius Trogus, whose work is lost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But what really gives Baldwin's philippic its force is that it is true, its analogy is apt and it is quite funny.

Independent

The opening chapters were a philippic about the Stalinist purges, but from there the book moved on to Amis's relations with his father, with his sister Sally – an alcoholic who died aged 46 – and with Hitchens.

Independent

Quick as an overnight poll, the leading 1996 Republican Presidential contender, Senator Bob Dole, came out with an anti-Time Warner philippic.

The New Yorker

I adore the word "philippic," a "bitter denunciation," which has an interesting etymology.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In exile in the West from 1974, his gloomy philippics and increasingly turgid prose aroused more bafflement than appreciation.

The Economist

The principal burden of all this fell upon Asquith, but Lloyd George gave him vigorous support in a series of notable philippics against the aristocracy and the rich.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My own favorite atheist blogger, Jerry Coyne, the University of Chicago evolutionary biologist, regularly offers unanswerable philippics against the idiocies of intelligent design.

The New Yorker

But a historian looking at his blog years from now would note that he varies the philippics with a tender stream of images of cats — into whose limited cognition, this dog-lover notes, he projects intelligence and personality quite as blithely as his enemies project design into seashells — and samples of old Motown songs.

The New Yorker

Managed to recite the Philippics verbatim.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "philippic," ensure the context supports the gravity of such a strong denunciation. It’s best suited for serious subjects and formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "philippic" in casual contexts. Its intensity can be disproportionate and sound overly dramatic if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "philippic" is as a noun. It typically refers to a speech or writing characterized by its bitter and vehement denunciation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in this context, providing numerous examples of its use in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "philippic" is a noun denoting a bitter and vehement denunciation, originating from Demosthenes's speeches against Philip II of Macedon. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and well-suited for formal contexts. Its usage frequency is common, particularly in news and media, and encyclopedias. When using "philippic", consider its strong connotations and formal tone; it is best reserved for situations where intense disapproval is warranted. Alternatives such as "tirade" or "diatribe" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. The term is often used to describe speeches or writings that express strong disapproval, as demonstrated in many examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tirade

A prolonged, bitter speech.

diatribe

A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.

harangue

A lengthy and aggressive speech.

denunciation

Public condemnation of someone or something.

invective

Insulting or abusive language.

polemic

A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.

rant

A long, angry speech.

censure

Formal disapproval.

condemnation

Strong disapproval.

rebuke

An expression of sharp disapproval or criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "philippic" in a sentence?

You can use "philippic" to describe a speech or writing that strongly condemns something. For example, "The politician delivered a powerful philippic against the proposed tax increase."

What's a good alternative to "philippic"?

Alternatives to "philippic" include "tirade", "diatribe", or "harangue", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the origin of the word "philippic"?

The word "philippic" originates from the speeches of Demosthenes against Philip II of Macedon, in which he fiercely denounced Philip's expansionist policies.

When is it appropriate to use the word "philippic"?

Use "philippic" when describing a speech or piece of writing that is a strong, bitter, and often lengthy denunciation of someone or something. It is most appropriate in formal or serious contexts.