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controversy — A prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion about a particular issue or topic

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: A prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion about a particular issue or topic

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːntrəvɜːrsi/

Example Sentences

  • The school's decision to ban smartphones caused more controversy than a K-pop dating scandal.
  • My mom's cooking is so bad, even suggesting we order pizza creates a family controversy.
  • The environmental controversy over plastic usage has changed consumer behavior worldwide.

controversy

NOUN

[/ˈkɑːntrəvɜːrsi/]

A prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion about a particular issue or topic

The new school rule caused controversy among students and parents.
💡 Concept

The new school rule caused controversy among students and parents.

Contrary voices filled the meeting as people argued about the new rule. (CONTROVERSY → CONTRARY VOICES → controversy happens when voices strongly oppose each other)
🧠 Mnemonic

Contrary voices filled the meeting as people argued about the new rule. (CONTROVERSY → CONTRARY VOICES → controversy happens when voices strongly oppose each other)

Diversity at the university led to controversy, but students learned to discuss their differences respectfully.
🎵 Rhyme

Diversity at the university led to controversy, but students learned to discuss their differences respectfully.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈkɑːntrəvɜːrsi/
🇬🇧 UK/kənˈtrɒvəsi/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcontra--
Root-vers-
Suffix--y

Origin

From Latin 'controversia,' derived from 'controversus' meaning 'turned against' or 'disputed.' This comes from the prefix 'contra-' (against) combined with 'versus' (turned), the past participle of 'vertere' (to turn).

Breakdown

contra- (against) + versus (turned) + -ia (noun suffix) = controversy (a matter turned against, a dispute)

🎵Rhyme

diversityuniversityadversity
diversity
university
adversity

🔗Collocations

spark controversy

“The celebrity's comments sparked controversy on social media.”

political controversy

“The mayor was involved in a political controversy.”

avoid controversy

“The company tried to avoid controversy by staying neutral.”

controversy surrounding

“There's controversy surrounding the new vaccine.”

heated controversy

“The proposal led to a heated controversy in parliament.”

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The school's decision to ban smartphones caused more controversy than a K-pop dating scandal.”

😄 Fun example

“My mom's cooking is so bad, even suggesting we order pizza creates a family controversy.”

“The environmental controversy over plastic usage has changed consumer behavior worldwide.”

“The book became the center of controversy due to its controversial themes.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

disputedebateargumentconflictdisagreement

Antonyms

agreementconsensusharmony

Related

controversialdisputedebatescandalargument

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