Word of the Day - 02/25/26
polemic
/pə_'lɛmɪk/(n.): a controversial argument, as one against some opinion, doctrine
In his book “Why I Am Not a Christian,” Bertrand Russell presents a polemic against organized religion, arguing that its doctrines lack logical and scientific support.
(n.): a writer who argues in opposition to others
As a polemic, Noam Chomsky has spent decades challenging U.S. foreign policy and mainstream media narratives, often provoking intense public debate.
Word Origin
The word 'polemic' originates from Late Latin 'polemicus', meaning 'of controversy' or 'bellicose'. This in turn comes from Ancient Greek 'polemikos' (πολεμικός), meaning 'warlike' or 'belligerent', which is derived from 'polemos' (πόλεμος), meaning 'war' or 'battle'.
Polemology (the study of war) and polemarch (an ancient Greek military commander) share the same Greek root 'polemos'.