controversial
Describes a subject, person, or decision that causes public disagreement or heated debate. It is typically used when people have strong and opposing opinions about a specific topic.
Examples
3 of 5The new dress code at school is very controversial among students.
The new dress code at school is very controversial among students.
The government's proposal to increase taxes proved to be highly controversial.
The government's proposal to increase taxes proved to be highly controversial.
I know it's controversial, but I don't think that movie was very good.
I know it's controversial, but I don't think that movie was very good.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Control' + 'Versus': People are fighting for 'control' because they have 'versus' (opposite) opinions.
Quick Quiz
The artist's latest painting was so ___ that it was removed from the public gallery after many complaints.
Correct!
The correct answer is: controversial
Examples
The new dress code at school is very controversial among students.
everydayThe new dress code at school is very controversial among students.
The government's proposal to increase taxes proved to be highly controversial.
formalThe government's proposal to increase taxes proved to be highly controversial.
I know it's controversial, but I don't think that movie was very good.
informalI know it's controversial, but I don't think that movie was very good.
Climate change remains a controversial topic in certain political circles despite scientific consensus.
academicClimate change remains a controversial topic in certain political circles despite scientific consensus.
The CEO made a controversial decision to cut bonuses this year.
businessThe CEO made a controversial decision to cut bonuses this year.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
spark controversy
spark controversy
at the center of controversy
at the center of controversy
beyond controversy
beyond controversy
Often Confused With
Contradictory means inconsistent or saying the opposite of something else, while controversial means causing public disagreement.
Usage Notes
The word usually precedes a noun or follows a linking verb like 'is' or 'becomes.' It often implies that the disagreement is widespread rather than just between two individuals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use this as a verb (e.g., 'to controversial the law'), but it is only an adjective. The verb form is usually 'to dispute' or 'to debate.'
Memory Tip
Think of 'Control' + 'Versus': People are fighting for 'control' because they have 'versus' (opposite) opinions.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'controversus', meaning 'turned against' or 'disputed', from 'contra' (against) + 'versus' (turned).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In journalism and academia, calling a topic 'controversial' is a common way to signal that there are multiple valid viewpoints to consider.
Quick Quiz
The artist's latest painting was so ___ that it was removed from the public gallery after many complaints.
Correct!
The correct answer is: controversial
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