controversy

American  

[kon-truh-vur-see, kuhn-trov-er-see] / ˈkɒn trəˌvɜr si, kənˈtrɒv ər si /

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

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controversy British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Related Words

See argument.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of controversy

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

Example Sentences

The Federal Reserve’s literal halls of power have become a source of surprising interest in recent months due to a controversy over the institution’s office renovations in Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal

The various proposals across the UK have generated huge controversy, with passionate arguments for and against the changes.

From BBC

The various proposals have generated huge controversy, with passionate arguments for and against the changes.

From BBC

Every president treats the State of the Union as a chance to highlight their wins, less a venue for mulling over controversies or losses.

From Los Angeles Times

Lesh takes a longer view, pointing out that virtually every advance in transport technology has come with controversy.

From BBC

Related Words

• argument
• bickering
• difference
• discussion
• fuss
• quarrel
• squabble
• strife
• wrangle
• wrangling