polemical
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polemical
Describes a statement or text that is subjective, harsh, and often aggressive in order to attack or ridicule another opinion.
Sein Kommentar war unnötig polemisch und trug nichts zur Lösung des Problems bei.
His comment was unnecessarily polemical and contributed nothing to solving the problem.
The adjective 'polemisch' (polemical) belongs to the noun 'die Polemik' (polemics). A polemic is a sharp, often personal and subjective dispute of opinions in written form.
Die politische Debatte war voller Polemik.
The political debate was full of polemics.
'Polemisch' (polemical) often describes a type of communication. Typical combinations are 'ein polemischer Artikel' (a polemical article), 'eine polemische Frage' (a polemical question), or 'polemisch argumentieren' (to argue polemically).
Er reagierte mit einer polemischen Gegenfrage auf die Kritik.
He responded to the criticism with a polemical counter-question.
This word belongs more to elevated or formal language. It is often used in discussions about media, politics, or academia to criticize an aggressive and unfair style of argumentation.
Bitte bleiben Sie sachlich und werden Sie nicht polemisch.
Please stay objective and do not become polemical.
personal / in person
Personal criticism attacks a person’s character or private life instead of staying focused on the subject. Polemical criticism is generally harsh, aggressive, and subjective, and aims to attack or ridicule another opinion. A polemical remark can therefore also become personal.
Seine Kritik wurde polemisch, als er ihren Vorschlag lächerlich machte.
His criticism became polemical when he ridiculed her proposal.
Seine Kritik wurde persönlich, als er ihre Ehrlichkeit infrage stellte.
His criticism became personal when he questioned her honesty.
