What does "controversial" mean?

1. (causing disagreement) causing a lot of public disagreement or argument. 2. (fond of arguing) describes a person who likes to argue or start disagreements.

How do you use "controversial"?

When applied to a person, it can describe their temperament rather than just the reaction to their work.

controversial

adj.

US //ˌkɑntɹəˈvɝʃəɫ// UK //kˌɒntɹəvˈɜːʃəl// con·tro·ver·sial

1 causing disagreement (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

causing a lot of public disagreement or argument.

arousing or likely to arouse controversy; characterising a subject that polarises public opinion.

Example

The government's new tax plan is very controversial and has led to many protests.

Example

The director's decision to cast a relatively unknown actor in such a controversial role sparked intense debate among film critics and fans alike.
- uncontroversial
- unanimous
- accepted
2 fond of arguing (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal

describes a person who likes to argue or start disagreements.

given to or enjoying controversy; argumentative or disputatious in nature.

Example

He was a controversial writer who seemed to enjoy upsetting his readers.

Example

The professor was known for his controversial style, often taking the opposite view just to challenge his students' assumptions.

Usage

When applied to a person, it can describe their temperament rather than just the reaction to their work.
- argumentative
- disputatious
- confrontational
- agreeable
- conciliatory

Origin

From Latin contrōversiālis, from contrōversia + -ālis. By surface analysis, controversy + -al.

Word family

Adjectivecontroversial
Adverbcontroversially