Langimage
English

controversially

|con-tro-ver-sial-ly|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜːr.ʃəl.i/

🇬🇧

/ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl.i/

(controversial)

causing disagreement

Base Form
controversial
Etymology
Etymology Information

'controversially' originates from the Latin word 'controversia', where 'contra-' meant 'against' and 'versus' meant 'turned'.

Historical Evolution

'controversia' transformed into the Old French word 'controversie', and eventually became the modern English word 'controversial' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a turning against', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing disagreement or debate'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner that causes disagreement or debate.

The policy was controversially implemented, leading to public outcry.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/14 00:21