Words / B2

KONTR-uh-vurs-ee/ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi/

Controversy is public, often heated disagreement about an issue: controversy over / about a policy, or spark / cause controversy. Debate can be calmer and more organised; a row is informal British for a noisy quarrel. Controversial is the adjective; pronunciation varies, with CON-tro-ver-sy common in British English.

Meaning

Public disagreement, often angry, about something.

Examples

• “The new rule caused controversy.”
• “The building project remains a source of controversy.”
• “Her comments sparked controversy on social media.”

Good to know

controversy over / about. Adjective: controversial. Public, not a private disagreement.

Near in meaning

dispute

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