Reading Theme:
Controversial: Definition, Usage & Examples
Meaning 1：spark debate (controversial)
controversial
/ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl/
adj.
Something that causes or is likely to cause a lot of disagreement among people.
spark debate
➕
/spɑːrk dɪˈbeɪt/
adj.
A person, idea, or topic that generates strong opposing opinions and public discussion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'controversus' (turned against, disputed), combining 'contra-' (against) and 'vertere' (to turn).
💡 Mnemonic
CONtroversial TOPics often involve a lot of CONversation and cause TROUBLE!
📖 Example
The headmaster's decision to ban mobile phones at school was very controversial among both students and parents.
The principal's phone ban policy created significant debate within the school community.
🔗 Collocations
controversial figure – a person who is the subject of public disagreement
controversial issue – a topic that people strongly disagree about
highly controversial – extremely likely to cause disagreement
🔄 Synonyms
contentious (adj.) – causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
disputed (adj.) – subject to disagreement or argument.
divisive (adj.) – tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people.
🚫 Antonyms
uncontroversial (adj.) – not causing or likely to cause disagreement.
indisputable (adj.) – unable to be challenged or denied.
noncontroversial (adj.) – generally accepted and not causing debate.
🌱 Derivatives
controversy (n.) – a prolonged public disagreement or debate.
controversially (adv.) – in a way that causes disagreement or discussion.
controversialist (n.) – a person who likes to engage in controversy.
📖 Cultural Story
A term heavily used in modern media, politics, and academia to describe topics (e.g., policy decisions, artworks, or scientific theories) that spark intense public or scholarly debate, reflecting societal divides.
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