controversy

[kon-truh-vur-see, kuhn-trov-er-see]

noun

plural

controversies 

1. a prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; disputation concerning a matter of opinion.

   Synonyms: altercation, disagreement

2. contention, strife, or argument.

   Synonyms: wrangle, quarrel

controversy

/ kənˈtrɒvəsɪ, ˈkɒntrəˌvɜːsɪ, ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl /

noun

1. dispute, argument, or debate, esp one concerning a matter about which there is strong disagreement and esp one carried on in public or in the press

Other Word Forms

• precontroversy noun
• controversialism noun
• controversially adverb
• controversial adjective
• controversialist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of controversy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin contrōversia, from contrōvers(us) “turned against, disputed” ( contrō-, variant of contrā “against” + versus “turned,” past participle of vertere “to turn”) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of controversy¹

C14: from Latin contrōversia, from contrōversus turned in an opposite direction, from _contra- + vertere to turn

Synonym Study

See argument.

Example Sentences

Mr Donald has spoken publicly about the controversy on the Sunday World Crime World podcast he co-hosts, and explained details about the "complicated" financial dispute which happened 16 years ago.

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Now the saltire's presence is generating controversy of its own at demonstrations from Perth to Aberdeen and from Glasgow to Falkirk, where the latest rally was held on Wednesday evening.

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But other prominent YouTubers pointed out the controversy around what generative AI is trained on - with some arguing it steals copyrighted material without paying the creators.

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The comments sparked controversy, with some accusing him of mocking Hindu beliefs.

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In the coming months, however, the court is set tackle questions of presidential power – and other high-profile controversies - head on, hearing oral arguments and issuing full decisions on their merits.

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Related Words

• argument 
• bickering 
• difference 
• discussion 
• fuss 
• quarrel 
• squabble 
• strife 
• wrangle 
• wrangling www.thesaurus.com

When To Use

What does controversy mean?

A controversy is a prolonged dispute, debate, or state of contention, especially one that unfolds in public and involves a stark difference of opinion.Controversy can refer to a specific dispute, as in The recent controversy started three weeks ago, or a general state of contention, as in Important literature usually results in controversy.The adjective form controversial is used to describe someone or something that causes people to get upset and argue.Example: The controversy surrounding the candidate’s past remarks has overshadowed the campaign.