Meaning
To cause public disagreement, debate, or argument about a particular issue.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, 'jadal' is a national pastime. Talk shows like those hosted by Amr Adib thrive on 'يثير الجدل'. Egyptians might use the word 'هبد' (habd) to describe someone making controversial but baseless claims. With rapid social changes (like Vision 2030), many new laws 'تثير الجدل' between traditionalists and modernists. The term is used carefully in official press. Political 'jadal' is constant. Because of the diverse political landscape, almost every government move is described as 'muthīr lil-jadal'. Controversies often involve the balance between Arabic, French, and Amazigh languages. Language policy is a topic that 'يثير الجدل' constantly.
Use it in Essays
Start your argumentative essays with 'تعتبر قضية [X] من القضايا التي تثير الجدل...' to sound like a native academic.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its power. Save it for topics that actually divide people.
Meaning
To cause public disagreement, debate, or argument about a particular issue.
Use it in Essays
Start your argumentative essays with 'تعتبر قضية [X] من القضايا التي تثير الجدل...' to sound like a native academic.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its power. Save it for topics that actually divide people.
The 'Muthir' Label
Calling someone 'مثير للجدل' (controversial) can be a compliment in art but a serious insult in traditional politics.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'أثار'.
الفيلم الجديد ________ جدلاً واسعاً في العام الماضي.
The sentence refers to 'the last year' (العام الماضي), so the past tense 'أثار' is required.
Which adjective best completes this common news headline?
قرار الحكومة يثير جدلاً ________.
'جدلاً واسعاً' (wide controversy) is the most common collocation in Arabic media.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Context: A scientist publishes a paper that contradicts 100 years of research.
Scientific disagreement on a large scale is a classic case of 'jadal'.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل سمعت عن استقالة المدير؟ خالد: نعم، هذا الخبر سوف ________ في الشركة.
The news of a manager's resignation usually causes debate and talk among employees.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالفيلم الجديد ________ جدلاً واسعاً في العام الماضي.
The sentence refers to 'the last year' (العام الماضي), so the past tense 'أثار' is required.
قرار الحكومة يثير جدلاً ________.
'جدلاً واسعاً' (wide controversy) is the most common collocation in Arabic media.
Context: A scientist publishes a paper that contradicts 100 years of research.
Scientific disagreement on a large scale is a classic case of 'jadal'.
أحمد: هل سمعت عن استقالة المدير؟ خالد: نعم، هذا الخبر سوف ________ في الشركة.
The news of a manager's resignation usually causes debate and talk among employees.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It just means there is a debate. However, in many contexts, it implies that the subject is causing trouble or tension.
Yes, you can say 'هو شخص يثير الجدل' (He is a person who stirs controversy).
'Niqash' is a general discussion. 'Jadal' is a heated or deep disagreement.
Use the adjective 'wāsi'an': أثار جدلاً واسعاً.
Yes, but often people switch to the Fusha 'يثير الجدل' even when speaking dialect because it's a media-heavy term.
That means 'stirs up trouble'. It's more negative and less about 'debate' than 'jadal'.
It is Form IV (أفعل - يُفعل). The root is ث-و-ر.
Yes, if you are discussing a controversial strategy or market trend.
No, it is a direct object: يثير (verb) + الجدل (object).
'يحظى بالإجماع' (yahdhā bil-ijmā') - to enjoy consensus.
Related Phrases
مثير للجدل
specialized formControversial (Adjective)
أحدث ضجة
similarMade a buzz/commotion
فتح باب النقاش
builds onOpened the door for discussion
حسم الجدل
contrastTo settle the controversy
