controvert

[ kon-truh-vurt, kon-truh-vurt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to argue against; dispute; deny; oppose.

   Synonyms: rebut, refute

2. to argue about; debate; discuss.

controvert

/ ˈkɒntrəˌvɜːt; ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːt /

verb

1. to deny, refute, or oppose (some argument or opinion)
2. to argue or wrangle about

Derived Forms

• ˌcontroˈvertible, adjective
• ˌcontroˈvertibly, adverb
• ˈcontroˌverter, noun

Other Words From

• contro·verter contro·vertist noun
• contro·verti·ble adjective
• contro·verti·bly adverb
• un·contro·verted adjective
• un·contro·verted·ly adverb
• uncon·tro·verti·ble adjective
• uncon·tro·verti·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of controvert¹

First recorded in 1600–10; alteration of earlier controverse (from Latin contrōversus; controversy ) with -vert as in advert ¹, convert ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of controvert¹

C17: from Latin contrōversus; see controversy

Example Sentences

Karasowski, in his eagerness to controvert Liszt, although not going quite this length, nevertheless overshoots the mark.

From Project Gutenberg

He could not concur, but he would not attempt to controvert: opinion in this case must have even the precedence of justice.

From Project Gutenberg

The statement in this amendment does not controvert the right of revolution.

From Project Gutenberg

That evening Campanini was on hand, ready to controvert the very idea of an American prima donna daring to sing with him.

From Project Gutenberg

The doctrine of materialism, adverted to by Mr. Irvine, it is the province of divines to controvert.

From Project Gutenberg