eristic

[ e-ris-tik ]

adjective

1. Also eristical. pertaining to controversy or disputation; controversial.

noun

1. a person who engages in disputation; controversialist.
2. the art of disputation.

eristic

/ ɛˈrɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating, or given to controversy or logical disputation, esp for its own sake

noun

1. a person who engages in logical disputes; a controversialist
2. the art or practice of logical disputation, esp if specious

Other Words From

• er·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of eristic¹

1630–40; < Greek eristikós, equivalent to erist ( ós ) (verbid of erízein, derivative of éris discord) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of eristic¹

C17: from Greek eristikos, from erizein to wrangle, from eris discord

Example Sentences

Here again we catch a glimpse rather of a Socratic or Eristic than of a Sophist in the ordinary sense of the term.

From Project Gutenberg

He belonged to the fighting class, and was further distinguished as a hero of debate, who professed the eristic art.

From Project Gutenberg

Sokrates was much more Eristic than Protagoras, who generally manifested himself by continuous speech or lecture.

From Project Gutenberg

Sokrates — the most persevering and acute Eristic of his age.

From Project Gutenberg

Lucian's references to the school are as eristic or argumentative.

From Project Gutenberg