controversy
con·tro·ver·sy
noun \ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē, British also kən-ˈträ-vər-sē\ plural con·tro·ver·sies
Definition of CONTROVERSY
1
: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute
Examples of CONTROVERSY
- The decision aroused much controversy among the students.
- The new movie is a subject of controversy.
- There is controversy surrounding the team's decision to trade the star pitcher.
- The controversy is over whether he should be fired or not.
- A controversy arose over the new law.
Origin of CONTROVERSY
Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin controversia, from controversus disputable, literally, turned against, from contro- (akin to contra-) + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at worth
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to CONTROVERSY
- Synonyms
- altercation, argle-bargle [chiefly British], argy-bargy [chiefly British], battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, argument, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle
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