Meaning
To make an argument or conflict more intense or widespread.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'tertulias' on TV often thrive on people who 'avivan la polémica'. It is a recognized part of the media landscape where conflict drives ratings. Argentine culture values intellectual debate. 'Avivar la polémica' is often seen in the context of 'la grieta' (the political divide), where every statement is scrutinized. In Mexico, the phrase is frequently used in sports journalism, especially regarding the national football team and its managers. During election cycles across the region, 'avivar la polémica' is a common strategy used by candidates to stay in the news cycle.
Use it in Writing Exams
If you are taking the DELE B1 or B2, using 'avivar la polémica' in your essay about social media or the environment will impress the examiners more than simple verbs like 'causar'.
Don't over-accent
Make sure you emphasize the 'LÉ' in polémica. If you say 'polemica' without the accent, it sounds wrong to native speakers.
Meaning
To make an argument or conflict more intense or widespread.
Use it in Writing Exams
If you are taking the DELE B1 or B2, using 'avivar la polémica' in your essay about social media or the environment will impress the examiners more than simple verbs like 'causar'.
Don't over-accent
Make sure you emphasize the 'LÉ' in polémica. If you say 'polemica' without the accent, it sounds wrong to native speakers.
The 'Tertulia' Context
When watching Spanish talk shows, listen for this phrase. It's the 'bread and butter' of Spanish television commentary.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate verb to complete the sentence in a formal news context.
Las nuevas pruebas han venido a _______ la polémica sobre el caso.
'Avivar' is the standard verb used with 'polémica' to mean intensify.
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
No quiero echar leña al ______, así que no diré nada.
'Echar leña al fuego' is the informal equivalent of 'avivar la polémica'.
Match the action to the result.
Un político miente sobre un escándalo que ya es famoso.
Lying about an existing scandal usually makes the public argument more intense.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: ¿Debería responder a ese comentario negativo en Instagram? B: No, mejor ignóralo. Si respondes, solo vas a _______.
Responding to hate comments usually intensifies the drama.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLas nuevas pruebas han venido a _______ la polémica sobre el caso.
'Avivar' is the standard verb used with 'polémica' to mean intensify.
No quiero echar leña al ______, así que no diré nada.
'Echar leña al fuego' is the informal equivalent of 'avivar la polémica'.
Un político miente sobre un escándalo que ya es famoso.
Lying about an existing scandal usually makes the public argument more intense.
A: ¿Debería responder a ese comentario negativo en Instagram? B: No, mejor ignóralo. Si respondes, solo vas a _______.
Responding to hate comments usually intensifies the drama.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, yes. It implies that someone is making a conflict worse rather than trying to solve it.
It's a bit too formal for that. Use 'echar leña al fuego' or 'meter cizaña' for small, personal fights.
'Provocar' means to start the controversy. 'Avivar' means to make an existing one stronger.
It's regular: 'Yo avivé', 'Tú avivaste', 'Él avivó'.
Yes, it is universally understood and used in all Spanish-speaking countries, especially in the media.
Yes! 'El video avivó la polémica' is a very common sentence structure.
Yes, they are synonyms. You can also say 'avivar la controversia', though 'avivar la polémica' is more common.
'Apagar', 'zanjar', or 'mitigar' are good opposites.
The verb 'avivar' is rooted in fire, but in this idiom, people don't usually think about literal fire anymore.
Yes, that is also correct and very common.
Related Phrases
Echar leña al fuego
synonymTo add fuel to the fire.
Zanjar la polémica
contrastTo settle or end the controversy.
Suscitó polémica
similarIt sparked controversy.
Meter cizaña
specialized formTo sow discord.
