controversial

The word “controversial” means causing or likely to cause strong disagreement or public debate. In plain terms, likely to spark disagreement or public argument.

“Controversial” is pronounced kon-truh-VUR-shuhl (/ˌkɑn.tɹəˈvɝ.ʃəl/ in IPA).

Here is “controversial” used in a sentence: “The new tax law proved deeply controversial.”

Words with a similar meaning to “controversial” include contentious and contested.

The opposite of “controversial” — its antonyms — are incontrovertible, non-controversial, noncontroversial and uncontroversial.

“Controversial” is an adjective.

The word “controversial” comes from Latin. From Latin controversialis, from controversia ("controversy") plus -alis; built from controversy plus -al.

“Controversial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both describe things that cause disagreement. Controversial stresses that something attracts strong public debate or opposition, while contentious highlights that it is likely to cause arguments or is itself a point of dispute, so a contentious issue is one people readily quarrel over.

Controversial means likely to cause strong disagreement or public debate in general. Divisive specifically stresses that something splits people into opposing camps, so a divisive topic actively drives groups apart, while a controversial one simply sparks debate.

No. Controversial only means that something causes or is likely to cause strong disagreement or public debate, not that it is bad, false, or immoral. A controversial idea may later prove correct; the word describes the reaction it provokes, not its merit.