Question

Find out the synonym of the given word.
Polemic

• A. an indication
• B. a misunderstanding
• C. a contentious argument
• D. a complaint

Hint:

Think of the kind of forceful, disputed argument used to attack or defend a strong opinion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

"Polemic" refers to a strong verbal or written attack on, or defense of, a particular opinion, person or policy. It usually involves a forceful and often controversial argument. We need the option that best captures this sense.

1. an indication: This word means a sign or a hint of something. It carries no sense of dispute or forceful argument, so it does not match.
2. a misunderstanding: This describes a failure to understand something correctly, which is an unintentional confusion, not a deliberate argument.
3. a contentious argument: "Contentious" means likely to cause disagreement. This phrase describes a forceful, disputed line of reasoning, which matches the meaning of "polemic" closely.
4. a complaint: A complaint expresses dissatisfaction about something, but it does not necessarily involve a structured argument for or against a position.

The correct option is "a contentious argument" because a polemic is, by definition, a strongly worded and often controversial line of reasoning meant to attack or defend a viewpoint.

Let's summarize:

• A polemic is a forceful, disputed argument, spoken or written, for or against something.
• "Indication", "misunderstanding" and "complaint" each miss the core idea of a deliberate, disputed line of reasoning.

So the correct synonym for "polemic" is "a contentious argument", option (c).