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Which novel was once considered so controversial that it was censored?

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controversial

American  

[kon-truh-vur-shuhl] / ˌkɒn trəˈvɜr ʃəl /

adjective

1. 

   of, relating to, or characteristic of controversy, or prolonged public dispute, debate, or contention; polemical.

   a controversial book.

2. subject to controversy; debatable.

   a controversial decision.

   Synonyms:

   questionable, arguable

3. given to controversy; argumentative; disputatious.

   a controversial public figure.

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Usage

What does controversial mean? Controversial is used to describe someone or something that causes people to get upset and argue. Controversial is the adjective form of the noun controversy, which is a prolonged dispute, debate, or state of contention, especially one that unfolds in public and involves a stark difference of opinion. Things commonly called controversial include topics, actions, and people (particularly for what they say and do). Example: Questions about the candidate’s controversial remarks from the past prevented him from talking about his campaign.

Other Word Forms

• controversialism
  noun
• controversialist
  noun
• noncontroversial
  adjective
• precontroversial
  adjective
• uncontroversial
  adjective
• controversially
  adverb
• noncontroversially
  adverb
• uncontroversially
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of controversial

First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin contrōversiālis; equivalent to controversy + -al ¹

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Explanation

If a politician ran for office on the platform that children should be put to work from age six, his platform is likely to be controversial, meaning it will cause controversy, or a long discussion among people with opposing opinions. Controversies are usually public disagreements about important matters. The adjective controversial is from the Latin from controversus "disputed," formed from the prefix contra- "against" plus versus, from vertere "to turn." The Latin suffix –ialis, corresponding to the English suffixes –ial and –al, means "relating to or characterized by."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

controversial

The wearing of fur is a controversial subject within fashion circles, with publications and fashion brands choosing not to use or promote it several years ago.

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

Plus, China transforms its most controversial region into a commercial hub, and how flights are dodging global conflicts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026

Russell’s filmography has something for everyone — and, until this year, something for no one: his controversial 1971 religious epic “The Devils,” a film as heavily censored as it was widely banned.

From Salon ● Oct. 22, 2026

Becerra returned to Washington in 2021 for a second act that would prove to be far more controversial than his first.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026

Several months before the controversial piece in the Revolution, they were at the center of another bitter debate on the issue.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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Related Words

• contentious
• disputed
• dubious
• questionable

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