1
Disputed proposal
Produce strong disagreement among groups.
Example
The council postponed the controversial redevelopment plan.
controversial
/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl/ · kon-truh-VUR-shuhladjective
Causing or likely to cause significant disagreement or debate.
Use controversial when the context supports this precise meaning: causing or likely to cause significant disagreement or debate.
What controversial Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Debated interpretation
Prompt sustained argument among scholars.
Example
Her controversial reading challenged the accepted chronology.
3
Publicly divisive
Divide opinion because values or interests conflict.
Example
The museum retained the controversial exhibit.
Use controversial Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The council postponed the controversial redevelopment plan.
Her controversial reading challenged the accepted chronology.
The museum retained the controversial exhibit.
Precision Matters
Controversial overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
controversial
vs.Means causing or likely to cause significant disagreement or debate.
conventional
Means based on established practice, tradition, or general acceptance.
controversial
vs.Means causing or likely to cause significant disagreement or debate.
orthodox
Means conforming to an established or generally accepted theory, belief, or practice.
controversial
vs.Means causing or likely to cause significant disagreement or debate.
unequivocal
Means completely clear and leaving no room for doubt.
controversial
vs.Means causing or likely to cause significant disagreement or debate.
contentious
Means likely to cause disagreement.
Test controversial in Context
The proposal continues to cause substantial disagreement.
1
Because the proposal divided residents almost evenly and prompted months of debate, it remained ___.