Persuasive Writing Terms

noun a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something

• The professor went on a lengthy diatribe about the flaws in the research methodology.
• My friend always goes off on a diatribe whenever politics is brought up.
• I can't stand listening to his diatribe about the new video game.
• Her diatribe against modern technology was like a storm of criticism.

noun a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

adjective involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech

• The author's latest book is a polemic against the current political system.
• I heard there was a big polemic at the town hall meeting last night.
• The debate turned into a real polemic, with people shouting and throwing insults.
• Her artwork was seen as a polemic against traditional beauty standards.