# controversy

/ˈkɑntɹəˌvɝsi/ (US) · /kˈɒntɹəvˌɜːsi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/controversy
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a lot of public disagreement or argument about something. It usually happens when people have very strong, opposite opinions on a topic.

For teachers: a state of prolonged public dispute or debate concerning a matter of opinion. Often associated with ethical, political, or social issues that polarize a community.

## Examples

- The new law caused a lot of controversy.
- The decision to build a highway through the forest sparked a heated controversy among local residents.
- The publication of the senator's private journals ignited a national controversy regarding the boundaries between public service and personal privacy.

## Pitfalls

- Not "there is a controversy about of the plan" but "there is a controversy over the plan" — Learners often use 'about of' or 'on' when 'over' or 'surrounding' are the more natural collocations for this noun.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'spark', 'cause', or 'stir up'; frequently followed by the prepositions 'over' or 'surrounding'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.