Word
controversial
Phoneticscon·tro·ver·sial, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑntɹəˈvɝʃəɫ/
UK/kˌɒntɹəvˈɜːʃəl/
Definition
adj. causing a lot of public disagreement or argument.
adj. arousing or likely to arouse controversy; characterising a subject that polarises public opinion.
Examples
“The new law is very controversial.”
“The committee made a controversial decision to close the local library despite protests from the neighborhood residents.”
“The director's latest film remains controversial among critics, who are divided on whether its graphic imagery serves a narrative purpose or is merely intended to shock the audience.”
Examples
simple
“The new law is very controversial.”
contextual
“The committee made a controversial decision to close the local library despite protests from the neighborhood residents.”
complex
“The director's latest film remains controversial among critics, who are divided on whether its graphic imagery serves a narrative purpose or is merely intended to shock the audience.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “controversial” in context.
Verb
01. prove controversial
“The new tax laws proved controversial and led to widespread protests across the country.”
verb + adj
02. remain controversial
“The decision to build a new highway through the forest remains controversial among local residents.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. controversial decision
“The referee made a controversial decision in the final minutes of the game.”
adj + noun
04. controversial figure
“He has always been a controversial figure in the world of professional sports.”
adj + noun
05. controversial issue
“Genetically modified food is a controversial issue that affects farmers and consumers alike.”
adj + noun
06. deeply controversial
“The politician's comments on immigration were deeply controversial and sparked a national debate.”
adv + adj
07. highly controversial
“The scientist published a highly controversial paper regarding the effects of climate change.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“Whether children so young can recall traumatic events is highly controversial.” “She described the controversial VIP lane, which prioritised PPE offers from those with political connections, as a misguided policy that should not be repeated.” Etymology
From Latin contrōversiālis, from contrōversia + -ālis. By surface analysis, controversy + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/controversial