بحثانگیز
Something that causes a lot of disagreement or argument between people.
Explanation at your level:
This word is for things people argue about. If you say 'This is controversial,' you mean 'People do not agree on this.' It is a big word, but you will see it in the news a lot.
Use 'controversial' when a topic makes people angry or leads to long arguments. For example, some movies are controversial because some people love them and others hate them.
At this level, you can use 'controversial' to describe political or social issues. It is a great way to show that a topic is complex and has two sides. Remember, it is an adjective, so it describes a noun.
In B2, you start using 'controversial' to describe nuanced situations. You might describe a 'controversial decision' or a 'controversial figure.' It helps you sound more sophisticated than just saying 'people disagree.'
At C1, you can use the word to frame academic or professional arguments. You might discuss the 'controversial nature' of a study or the 'controversial implications' of a new policy, showing a high level of analytical thought.
Mastering this word involves understanding its etymological roots in 'turning against' and using it to describe subtle ideological clashes. It is essential for high-level discourse in essays, debates, and critical analysis where you must acknowledge the existence of valid, conflicting perspectives.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Adjective meaning 'causing disagreement'.
- Used for topics, people, and decisions.
- Common in news and academic writing.
- Noun form is 'controversy'.
When we call something controversial, we mean it is a real lightning rod for opinions! It isn't just about a small disagreement; it's about a topic that makes people take sides and defend their views with passion.
Think of it as a hot-button issue. Whether it's a new law, a piece of modern art, or a celebrity's statement, if it triggers a heated debate, it fits the bill. It is a very common word in news reporting and academic discussions because it highlights that a subject is not settled.
The word controversial comes from the Latin word controversia, which literally means 'a turning against.' It is built from contra (against) and vertere (to turn).
Historically, this reflects the idea of two people turning to face each other in a dispute. Over centuries, it evolved through Old French into the English language, maintaining that core meaning of two opposing forces clashing over an idea or fact.
You will most often hear this word in formal or journalistic settings. We talk about controversial decisions, controversial figures, or controversial policies.
It is important to note that the word itself doesn't mean the thing is 'bad' or 'wrong,' just that it is disputed. Using it helps you sound objective when describing a situation where people are divided.
1. Hot potato: A controversial issue that is difficult to handle. Example: 'The tax reform became a political hot potato.'
2. Stir the pot: To intentionally cause controversy. Example: 'He loves to stir the pot by posting wild opinions.'
3. Polarizing figure: Someone who causes extreme disagreement. Example: 'The director is a polarizing figure in cinema.'
4. Open a can of worms: To start a controversial discussion. Example: 'Don't bring up the budget; it will open a can of worms.'
5. Bone of contention: The specific subject of an argument. Example: 'The new fence was a major bone of contention between neighbors.'
Controversial is an adjective. You can use it before a noun (a controversial plan) or after a linking verb (the plan was controversial).
The stress is on the third syllable: con-tro-VER-sial. Rhyming words include commercial, impartial, and substantial.
Fun Fact
It comes from the same root as 'convert' and 'invert'.
Pronunciation Guide
con-truh-VUR-shul
con-truh-VUR-shul
Common Errors
- Missing the 'r' sound
- Misplacing the stress
- Pronouncing it like 'controversy'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common in news
Useful for essays
Easy to use
Common in media
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective placement
The controversial book.
Linking verbs
It is controversial.
Noun vs Adjective
Controversy vs Controversial.
Examples by Level
The movie is controversial.
film / is / debated
adjective after verb
It is a controversial topic.
it / is / a / debated / subject
adjective before noun
The law is controversial.
the / rule / is / debated
simple sentence
Some games are controversial.
some / games / are / debated
plural subject
He made a controversial choice.
he / made / a / debated / decision
past tense verb
Is it controversial?
is / it / debated
question form
The book is very controversial.
the / book / is / very / debated
adverb modifier
They had a controversial talk.
they / had / a / debated / chat
past tense
The decision was highly controversial.
Many people find that topic controversial.
The controversial plan was cancelled.
It was a controversial moment in the game.
She is a controversial writer.
The controversial art piece sparked debate.
Why is this issue so controversial?
They avoided the controversial subject.
The controversial policy caused a protest.
He is known for his controversial remarks.
The controversial ending divided the audience.
It remains a controversial issue today.
The controversial bill passed narrowly.
They held a controversial meeting.
The controversial study was published yesterday.
I try to avoid controversial topics.
The controversial nature of the experiment was clear.
He faced controversial accusations during the trial.
The controversial legislation sparked nationwide debates.
The controversial figure was banned from the site.
It was a controversial move by the board.
The controversial decision led to his resignation.
The controversial artist challenged social norms.
She handled the controversial question with grace.
The controversial premise of the book sparked intellectual debate.
His controversial methodology was questioned by peers.
The controversial implementation of the policy caused unrest.
The controversial implications of the findings are significant.
She navigated the controversial situation with diplomacy.
The controversial doctrine was eventually revised.
The controversial stance alienated many supporters.
The controversial rhetoric was widely criticized.
The controversial historiography of the region remains a point of contention.
His controversial treatise challenged the established order.
The controversial discourse surrounding the event was palpable.
The controversial paradigm shift left many scholars skeptical.
The controversial nature of the evidence was undeniable.
The controversial rhetoric served to polarize the electorate.
The controversial verdict was met with public outcry.
The controversial assertion was met with rigorous scrutiny.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Stir the pot"
To cause trouble or controversy
Stop stirring the pot!
casual"Bone of contention"
A subject of disagreement
The budget is a bone of contention.
formal"Hot potato"
A difficult, controversial issue
Nobody wants to touch that hot potato.
casual"Open a can of worms"
Start a controversial discussion
Don't open a can of worms.
casual"Cross the line"
To go too far in a controversial way
His remarks crossed the line.
neutral"Throw fuel on the fire"
Make a controversial situation worse
His comment threw fuel on the fire.
neutralEasily Confused
Similar start
Contrary means opposite, controversial means debated.
Contrary to my belief vs. A controversial belief.
Same root
Controversy is the noun, controversial is the adjective.
The controversy (noun) was controversial (adj).
Similar meaning
Contentious is more formal and implies active arguing.
A contentious debate.
Similar context
Divisive means it splits people into groups.
A divisive policy.
Sentence Patterns
The [noun] is controversial.
The plan is controversial.
It is controversial to [verb].
It is controversial to change the rules.
A controversial [noun] was [verb].
A controversial law was passed.
Despite being controversial, [clause].
Despite being controversial, it passed.
The controversial nature of [noun] is [adj].
The controversial nature of the art is clear.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
It doesn't mean bad, just debated.
Different meanings.
The 's' is often missed.
Controversial is an adjective.
It's a strong word.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a debate stage with a spinning sign that says 'CONTROVERSY'.
When Native Speakers Use It
When discussing news or politics.
Cultural Insight
It is a staple of political discourse.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with a noun or link to a verb.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'VUR' stress.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'a controversy' when you mean 'controversial'.
Did You Know?
It's related to the word 'convert'.
Study Smart
Read news articles and highlight the word.
Writing Tip
Use it to add depth to your essays.
Speaking Tip
Use it to introduce a balanced argument.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Contra (against) + Vers (turn) = Turning against each other in an argument.
Visual Association
Two people turning their backs on each other during an argument.
Word Web
Challenge
Find one news headline today that uses this word.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: Turning against
Cultural Context
Can be used to describe sensitive topics.
Used heavily in political news and media.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Politics
- controversial policy
- controversial bill
- controversial figure
Art/Entertainment
- controversial film
- controversial artist
- controversial ending
Academic
- controversial study
- controversial findings
- controversial theory
Daily Life
- controversial topic
- controversial decision
- controversial remark
Conversation Starters
"What is the most controversial movie you have seen?"
"Do you think it is okay to discuss controversial topics at dinner?"
"Who is a controversial figure you find interesting?"
"Why do you think some topics become so controversial?"
"Can you name a controversial law in your country?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had a controversial opinion.
Describe a controversial event that happened recently.
Why do people avoid controversial topics?
Is it better to be controversial or to agree with everyone?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it just means people disagree.
Yes, a 'controversial figure' is common.
Controversy.
It is neutral to formal.
No, something can be legal but controversial.
Con-truh-VUR-shul.
Yes, it's very common.
Uncontroversial.
Test Yourself
The movie is very ___.
It describes a debated movie.
What does controversial mean?
It means causing disagreement.
A controversial topic is one everyone agrees on.
It's the opposite.
Word
Meaning
Matching synonyms and antonyms.
This is a controversial topic.
The ___ decision upset many people.
It describes a decision that caused upset.
Which is a synonym?
Contentious means debated.
Controversial is an adverb.
It is an adjective.
The ___ nature of the claim led to many lawsuits.
It describes the nature of the claim.
What is the root of controversial?
It comes from Latin.
Score: /10
Summary
Controversial describes something that sparks strong, opposing opinions.
- Adjective meaning 'causing disagreement'.
- Used for topics, people, and decisions.
- Common in news and academic writing.
- Noun form is 'controversy'.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a debate stage with a spinning sign that says 'CONTROVERSY'.
When Native Speakers Use It
When discussing news or politics.
Cultural Insight
It is a staple of political discourse.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with a noun or link to a verb.
Related Content
More academic words
اعمال کردن
B2To apply, to implement; to put into operation or effect.
عامل شدن
B2To cause; to make something happen.
اعتبار علمی
B2Academic credibility, academic reputation.
اعتباربخشی
B2Accreditation; the official recognition that a person or institution is qualified.
اعتبار بخشیدن
B2To validate, to confirm or give official approval to something.
اعتبار سنجی کردن
B2To check or prove the validity or accuracy of something.
اعتمادپذیر
B2Capable of being relied on; trustworthy and dependable.
اعتراف کردن
B2To confess or acknowledge; to admit that one has committed a crime or done something wrong.
عضو هیئت علمی
B2A faculty member; a professional academic engaged in teaching and research at a university.
عقلانی
B2Rational; based on or in accordance with reason or logic.
