controverse

controversy

noun kohn-tro-VERS Rare

Origin: Latin controversia (dispute)

Usage Note

Controverse is a formal or journalistic word for a prolonged public dispute, usually around a factual or moral issue. The phrase faire controverse or susciter une controverse means 'to spark controversy'. The adjective controversé ('controversial') is derived from it and is very common in the press.

Examples

"Ce projet de loi a soulevé une grande controverse."

Natural Translation

This bill raised a major controversy.

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