polemical

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   expressing strong criticism or argument about a controversial subject

   The author's polemical essay attacks both sides of the debate.

2. 2
   adj

   inclined to engage in forceful controversy or dispute

   His polemical style made even minor disagreements sound like ideological battles.

Formed from polemic + -al. Polemic comes through French from Greek polemikos ("warlike, hostile"), from polemos ("war"); the language of warfare was transferred to forceful public argument.

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