polemical

USAGE SUMMARY

'polemical' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means relating to a dispute or controversy, and is commonly used to describe language or topics that are argumentative in nature. Example sentence: Her writing was polemical, as she argued for her point of view on the topic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This survey will, like its predecessor 160 years ago, be a polemical essay in favour of liberalism but also against the abuse of capitalism and of democracy in the country that is seen especially by itself as the highway to greatness.

The Economist

Yet this inclusive, winning style around the office always went hand-in-hand with strident, polemical writing.

The Guardian

He added: "Perhaps this explains the shift in polemical terminology to the less prescriptive 'climate change'".

The Guardian

Golub and Spero worked in partnership all their lives, sometimes sharing a polemical platform, always working together, in later years in a big loft in Greenwich Village, New York, which they divided in two.

The Guardian - Arts

Most of the general public do not think of government in polemical terms, but there are instinctive doubts about a party leader who does not like the party he leads but uses it as a vehicle for personal advancement.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is fine in the pages of a polemical novel, and an excellent thing for democracy in a parliament that often appears full of placemen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pow! Wonderful, robust, polemical stuff.

The Economist

One store in the Netherlands is run directly by Inter IKEA Systems.After the airing of the polemical documentary on Swedish TV, Mr Kamprad retorted that "tax efficiency" was a natural part of the company's low-cost culture.

The Economist

Mr Grass's polemical diary covers 1990, a year he devoted to arguing against the unity package devised by Helmut Kohl and approved by the East German people.

The Economist

In his book "Losing our Cool" Stan Cox, a polemical plant scientist, blamed it for "resource waste, climate change, ozone depletion and disorientation of the human mind and body".

The Economist

Mr Pinker brings in the noble savage belief in the gentleness of primitive man and the ghost in the machine reluctance to abandon an immaterial mind or soul largely for the polemical fun of torching a few straw men.The idea of a blank slate came to underpin 20th-century behaviourism, typified by B.F. Skinner, for whom human beings were little more than conditioned automata.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "polemical" when you want to describe writing or speech that is strongly critical or controversial, aiming to persuade others to adopt a particular viewpoint. Ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Common error

Avoid using "polemical" when describing writing that is simply informative or analytical. The term implies a strong bias and intent to argue, which may not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The word "polemical" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something related to argument or controversy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes an argumentative stance, aligning with numerous examples found in its database.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "polemical" serves as an adjective describing something related to argument or controversy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It's most frequent in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using "polemical", ensure the writing genuinely presents a strong, argumentative stance. Avoid overusing it in neutral contexts. Consider alternatives like "controversial" or "argumentative" for nuanced expression. The word is powerful for specific communicative goals, making it essential to wield it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controversial

Focuses on the potential to cause disagreement or public debate.

argumentative

Highlights the tendency to argue or dispute.

contentious

Emphasizes the likelihood of causing or involving argument.

disputatious

Implies a readiness or eagerness to argue.

combative

Suggests an aggressive or confrontational approach.

belligerent

Indicates a hostile and aggressive attitude.

antagonistic

Implies active hostility or opposition.

quarrelsome

Characterizes someone who is prone to arguing.

tendentious

Suggests a biased or partisan viewpoint.

provocative

Highlights the intention to elicit a strong reaction or argument.

FAQs

How can I use "polemical" in a sentence?

You can use "polemical" to describe writing or speech that is argumentative and intended to strongly support a specific viewpoint. For example, "His "polemical essay" attacked the current administration's policies."

What's the difference between "polemical" and "controversial"?

"Polemical" implies a strong, often aggressive, argument in favor of a specific viewpoint, while "controversial" simply means likely to cause disagreement or debate. Something controversial may not necessarily be polemical.

What are some synonyms for "polemical"?

Some synonyms for "polemical" include "argumentative", "contentious", and "disputatious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "polemical" a positive or negative term?

"Polemical" is generally neutral but can lean towards negative depending on the context. It describes a style of argument, and whether that's seen as good or bad depends on the reader's perspective and the argument itself.