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'.
polemic, adversity, proximity, rate, mechanism: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 80. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
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'.
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'.
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'
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'.
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