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polemic

noun/pəˈlɛmɪk/

definition

a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

example

The author's latest book is a fierce polemic against the injustices of the current political system.

synonyms
controversydiatribecritique
word origin — The word 'polemic' comes from the Greek 'polemikos', meaning 'warlike' or 'hostile', which is derived from 'polemos' meaning 'war'.

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 80

Set 80 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: polemic, adversity, proximity, rate, mechanism. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. polemic · noun/pəˈlɛmɪk/

    a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

    The author's latest book is a fierce polemic against the injustices of the current political system.

    Synonyms: controversy, diatribe, critique

    Origin: The word 'polemic' comes from the Greek 'polemikos', meaning 'warlike' or 'hostile', which is derived from 'polemos' meaning 'war'.

  2. adversity · noun/ædˈvɜr.sɪ.ti/

    a difficult or unpleasant situation or condition

    Many people emerge stronger after facing significant adversity in their lives.

    Synonyms: hardship, misfortune, difficulty

    Origin: From Middle English 'adversite', derived from Latin 'adversitas', from 'adversus', meaning 'turned against'.

  3. proximity · noun/prɑkˈsɪmɪti/

    nearness in distance or the relationship between things

    The proximity of the school to my house makes it easy for my children to walk there every day.

    Synonyms: closeness, nearness, adjacency

    Origin: from Latin 'proximitas', from 'proximus' meaning 'nearest'

  4. rate · noun/reɪt/

    a measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against another quantity or measure

    The interest rate on this loan is lower than what we expected, making it a very attractive option.

    Synonyms: value, measurement, ratio

    Origin: from Middle English 'rate', from Old French 'rate', meaning 'fixed amount or value', derived from Latin 'ratem', meaning 'a fixed charge, assessment'.

  5. mechanism · noun/ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/

    a system of parts working together in a machine or a process

    The clock's intricate mechanism ensures that it keeps perfect time, with each gear and spring working harmoniously together.

    Synonyms: system, device, apparatus

    Origin: from Greek 'mekhane' meaning 'machine' or 'device', combined with the suffix '-ism' denoting a system or process