German word

kontrovers

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔntʁoˈvɛɐ̯s/

Meaning

  • adjectivecontroversial

Example

Die kontroverse Ausstellung zog viele Besucher an.

The controversial exhibition drew many visitors.

Illustration for kontrovers (controversial)

More examples

Die Firma traf eine kontroverse Entscheidung.

The company made a controversial decision.

Core concept

A public issue stands at the center while different groups argue for sharply opposed positions.

Common phrases

  • ein kontroverses Thema

    a controversial topic

  • eine kontroverse Entscheidung

    a controversial decision

  • in kontroversen Medienberichten

    in controversial media reports

Similar words

umstritten: Widely disputed, with people divided over its acceptance or rejection.
strittig: Subject to clear, ongoing argument because the issue remains unresolved.
brisant: Sensitive and potentially explosive because it may cause major reactions or trouble.
provokativ: Deliberately provocative, using words or actions designed to stir a response.

Definition in German

So, dass verschiedene Personen heftig unterschiedliche Meinungen darüber haben.

Word origin

Kontrovers comes from Latin controversus, formed from contra meaning 'against' and vertere meaning 'to turn'.

Usage tips

  • As an attributive adjective, kontrovers takes normal endings, as in 'eine kontroverse Ausstellung' and 'ein kontroverses Thema'.

Other meanings

  • contentiousadjective
  • debatableadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word