Spanish Conversation · Level 116
60 words
Spanish word
controversia
Pronunciation
IPA/kontɾoˈβeɾsja/
Meaning
- feminine nouncontroversy
Example
La controversia sobre el uso del espacio público continúa.
The controversy over the use of public space continues.
More examples
En la reunión escolar surgió una controversia sobre las calificaciones.
At the school meeting a controversy arose over the grades.
Core concept
A group of protesters holding opposing signs outside a government building.
Common phrases
desatar una controversia
spark a controversy
generar una controversia
generate a controversy
Similar words
discusión: Informal exchange of opinions among people that involves back-and-forth disagreement.
polémica: Emotionally charged public dispute that draws concentrated criticism and strong reactions.
debate: Structured discussion where opposing views are argued using reasons and evidence.
Definition in Spanish
Debate intenso o conflicto de opiniones sobre un tema específico que suscita polémica pública.
Word origin
From Latin controversia via contra 'against' + vertere 'to turn', originally indicating opposition and now naming a dispute that attracts public attention.
Usage tips
- Common collocations include 'la controversia sobre...' and verbs such as generar, suscitar, provocar, or desatar for issues that spark public debate.
Other meanings
- disputenoun
- debatenoun
Opposites
- acuerdoagreementnoun
Related words
- controvertidocontroversialadjective
- controvertircontrovertverb