Controversially: meaning, definitions and examples

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controversially

 

[ ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.səl.i ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used to introduce a statement that may cause disagreement or argument

In a way that is likely to cause disagreement or argument.

Synonyms

contentiously, debatable, disputably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
controversially

Used when describing actions, statements, or topics that provoke strong and differing opinions. Typically implies significant public debate and emotional reactions.

  • The professor's opinion on climate change was controversially received by the audience.
  • The film controversially depicts historical events from a different perspective.
contentiously

Used when discussing issues that cause argument, conflict, or disagreement. Often implies a more personal or emotional level of dispute.

  • The new policy was contentiously debated among the team members.
  • The politician's remarks were contentiously challenged during the debate.
disputably

Used when referring to something that can be argued or questioned based on different interpretations or opinions. Often used in a more formal context.

  • The theory is disputably one of the most significant in recent years.
  • Her claims were disputably supported by evidence from various studies.
debatable

Used to describe something that is not certain and open to discussion or argument. Often implies that there are reasonable arguments on multiple sides of an issue.

  • Whether the new technology will solve the problem is debatable.
  • The effectiveness of the new curriculum is debatable among educators.

Examples of usage

  • He was controversially appointed despite his lack of experience.
  • The decision was controversially made without consulting the team.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to introduce a statement that is likely to be discussed or debated

In a way that is likely to be discussed or debated.

Synonyms

arguably, contentiously, questionably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
controversially

Use when describing something that is likely to provoke public disagreement or strong reactions. It often refers to actions or statements that go against conventional wisdom or norms.

  • The politician controversially suggested cutting the education budget
arguably

Use when presenting a point of view that can be supported by reasonable argument or evidence, though it may still be open to debate.

  • She is arguably the best dancer in the group
questionably

Use when referring to something that is doubtful or suspicious in nature. It implies a lack of trust and often carries a negative connotation.

  • The business practices of the company are questionably ethical
contentiously

Use when referring to something that causes or is likely to cause an argument or disagreement. This word often implies a more intense level of conflict than 'controversially.'

  • He contentiously claimed that the study was flawed

Examples of usage

  • His theories were controversially received by the scientific community.
  • The new movie was controversially discussed among the critics.

Translations

Translations of the word "controversially" in other languages:

🇵🇹 controversamente

🇮🇳 विवादास्पद रूप से

🇩🇪 kontrovers

🇮🇩 secara kontroversial

🇺🇦 суперечливо

🇵🇱 kontrowersyjnie

🇯🇵 物議を醸すように

🇫🇷 de manière controversée

🇪🇸 controvertidamente

🇹🇷 tartışmalı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 논란이 되게

🇸🇦 بشكل مثير للجدل

🇨🇿 kontroverzně

🇸🇰 kontroverzne

🇨🇳 有争议地

🇸🇮 kontroverzno

🇮🇸 umdeild

🇰🇿 даулы түрде

🇬🇪 საკამათო

🇦🇿 mübahisəli şəkildə

🇲🇽 controvertidamente

Etymology

The word 'controversially' is derived from the verb 'controversy' which originated in Middle English from Old French. The root of the word, 'controversia,' comes from Latin, where 'contra' means 'against' and 'versus' means 'to turn.' Therefore, 'controversially' has a long history of being used to introduce statements that may cause disagreement or debate.

See also: controversial.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,686 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.