B2 verb Neutral

controversial

/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl/

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 5
1

The new dress code at school is very controversial among students.

The new dress code at school is very controversial among students.

2

The government's proposal to increase taxes proved to be highly controversial.

The government's proposal to increase taxes proved to be highly controversial.

3

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.

Word Family

Noun
controversy
Adverb
controversially
Adjective
controversial
Related
controversialist
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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

1

The new dress code at school is very controversial among students.

everyday

The new dress code at school is very controversial among students.

2

The government's proposal to increase taxes proved to be highly controversial.

formal

The government's proposal to increase taxes proved to be highly controversial.

3

I know it's controversial, but I don't think that movie was very good.

informal

I know it's controversial, but I don't think that movie was very good.

4

Climate change remains a controversial topic in certain political circles despite scientific consensus.

academic

Climate change remains a controversial topic in certain political circles despite scientific consensus.

5

The CEO made a controversial decision to cut bonuses this year.

business

The CEO made a controversial decision to cut bonuses this year.

Word Family

Noun
controversy
Adverb
controversially
Adjective
controversial
Related
controversialist

Common Collocations

controversial issue controversial issue
highly controversial highly controversial
controversial figure controversial figure
prove controversial prove controversial
controversial decision controversial decision

Common Phrases

spark controversy

spark controversy

at the center of controversy

at the center of controversy

beyond controversy

beyond controversy

Often Confused With

controversial vs contradictory

Contradictory means inconsistent or saying the opposite of something else, while controversial means causing public disagreement.

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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

Used as an attributive adjective before a noun: 'a controversial law'. Used as a predicative adjective after a linking verb: 'the decision was controversial'.
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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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A1

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