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

To understand how a little-known operator in China could stir such controversy, it helps to know how IP addresses work and something about their history.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It later sparked controversy when a newspaper uncovered a link between Mr Thomas and Mr Williams' ex-girlfriend, who had remembered visiting Ampthill years before.

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Beloved by fans for his gregarious nature and light-hearted approach, Zoeller was plunged into controversy in 1997 as 21-year-old rising star Woods was marching to a stunning victory in the Masters.

Read more on Barron's

The food company has been at the center of a controversy in recent days after a former employee leaked a tape of the executive.

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But the park has been mired in controversy for years, and its eerily empty walkways were visible from outside during a visit earlier this month.

Read more on Barron's

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.