Rhetorical vs. Polemic — What's the Difference?

Of or relating to rhetoric.

Polemic () is contentious rhetoric intended to support a specific position by forthright claims and to undermine the opposing position. Polemics are thus seen in arguments on controversial topics.

Characterized by overelaborate or bombastic rhetoric.

A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

Used for persuasive effect

Another term for polemical

Part of or similar to rhetoric, the use of language as a means to persuade.

A controversial argument, especially one refuting or attacking a specific opinion or doctrine.

Not earnest, or presented only for the purpose of an argument.

A person engaged in or inclined to controversy, argument, or refutation.

A study or exercise in rhetoric.

Of or relating to a controversy, argument, or refutation.

Of or pertaining to rhetoric; according to, or exhibiting, rhetoric; oratorical; as, the rhetorical art; a rhetorical treatise; a rhetorical flourish.

A person who writes in support of one opinion, doctrine, or system, in opposition to another; one skilled in polemics; a controversialist; a disputant.

Of or relating to rhetoric;

An argument or controversy.

Concerned with effect or style of writing and speaking;

A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.

Having the characteristics of a polemic.

Of or pertaining to controversy; maintaining, or involving, controversy; controversial; disputative; as, a polemic discourse or essay; polemic theology.

Engaged in, or addicted to, polemics, or to controversy; disputations; as, a polemic writer.

One who writes in support of one opinion, doctrine, or system, in opposition to another; one skilled in polemics; a controversialist; a disputant.

A polemic argument or controversy.

A writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology)

A controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)

Of or involving dispute or controversy