0
AH020387 Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary
Polemic VS debate
What is the difference between 'polemic' and 'debate'?
Top answer
Polemic is an argument in opposition to something, often a controversial subject. It carries an air of intolerance and close mindedness. Debate is used in the formal sense, where two teams choose or are assigned, usually at random, either the affirmative or negative side of an issue and prepare formal arguments for their side.
- Polemic is an argument in opposition to something, often a controversial subject.
- It carries an air of intolerance and close mindedness.
- Debate is used in the formal sense, where two teams choose or are assigned, usually at random, either the affirmative or negative side of an issue and prepare formal arguments for their side.
- It is also used in an informal sense to mean a discussion where two persons discuss their opposing views on a subject.
- Without adjectives to "heat it up," debate usually means a relatively civil discussion between two people of opposing views.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
4 Answers
0
Polemic is an argument in opposition to something, often a controversial subject. It carries an air of intolerance and close mindedness. Debate is used in the formal sense, where two teams choose or are assigned, usually at random, either the affirmative or negative side of an issue and prepare formal arguments for their side. It is also used in an informal sense to mean a discussion where two
00
So polemic is not 'two-ways' like a debate is atleast not in sentence writing correct?
Example:
One cannot say: 'Those two were engaged in a polemic.', but one could say 'Those two were engaged in a debate.'
?
Example:
One cannot say: 'Those two were engaged in a polemic.', but one could say 'Those two were engaged in a debate.'
?
00
That is correct; polemic is not a two way argument, it is an oppositional stance on a subject, usually one that is controversial. Or, it can mean the person holding that stance or making that argument.
Examples in sentences: John wrote an article in the paper that can only be described as a polemic about the issue confronting the City Council.
On Larry King's show, X politicia
Examples in sentences: John wrote an article in the paper that can only be described as a polemic about the issue confronting the City Council.
On Larry King's show, X politicia
00
Related Questions