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

If Republican leaders in Washington had hoped that a month-long congressional recess would help the Jeffrey Epstein controversy die down, this week's frenzy of activity has dashed those hopes - at least for now.

From BBC

To make it harder for him, the survivors got organized and are shoving this controversy right back in the public eye.

From Salon

Her tendency to brush through political controversies gave her an air of untouchability, with some dubbing her "Teflon Ang".

From BBC

These films have also offered portrayals of the Warrens that skirt any of their personal controversies, presenting them as blissfully married, heroic figures.

From Los Angeles Times

The hearing comes after weeks of controversy surrounding Kennedy’s actions as the nation’s top health official.

From Salon

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.