Controversial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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controversial
[หkษntrษหvษหสษl ]
Definition
topic discussion
causing or likely to cause disagreement or disapproval among people
Synonyms
contentious, debated, disputed, divisive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| controversial |
Use this word when referring to a topic, opinion, or decision that provokes strong, often conflicting opinions and may cause heated discussion.
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| contentious |
This word is best used to describe situations, issues, or topics that are likely to cause arguments or conflicts. It often has a negative connotation.
|
| debated |
Use this word when referring to topics that are actively discussed or argued over, often in a formal setting such as academic or political environments.
|
| disputed |
This word is appropriate for situations where there is a disagreement or argument over a fact, claim, or decision. It implies a challenge to the validity or truth.
|
| divisive |
Use this word to describe something that creates division or disagreement among people, often leading to factions or deep conflicts. It has a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The new movie is controversial because of its sensitive subject matter.
- The controversial decision sparked a debate among the members of the committee.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Throughout history, many social and political movements have been rooted in controversial ideas, sparking debates that shaped societies.
- In the 1960s, topics like civil rights and the Vietnam War became highly controversial, leading to significant public demonstrations.
Media and Pop Culture
- Certain films and books are labeled controversial for their bold themes or representations, prompting discussions about society's values.
- Reality TV often thrives on controversial scenarios that provoke viewer reactions and discussions on moral issues.
Psychology
- Research shows that controversial topics can trigger strong emotional responses, making it crucial for effective communication.
- People often form their opinions on controversial subjects based on emotions, biases, and personal experiences, rather than facts.
Politics
- Controversial political topics, like climate change or healthcare policies, often lead to polarized public opinions and heated debates.
- Political figures can become controversial when they take strong stances on issues that divide public sentiment.
Origin of 'controversial'
Main points about word origin
- The word is derived from the Latin 'controversia,' meaning 'a turning against,' which reflects how it describes conflicting opinions.
- It combines 'contra,' meaning 'against,' and 'vertere,' meaning 'to turn,' emphasizing opposing viewpoints.
The word 'controversial' originated from the Latin word 'controversialis', which means 'pertaining to a dispute or controversy'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that causes disagreement or disapproval. Over the years, 'controversial' has become a commonly used adjective to characterize topics, decisions, or actions that elicit strong opposing opinions.
See also: controversially.