controversy Hear it!

controversy Definition

con·tro·versy (kän′trə vʉr′sē)

noun pl. -·sies

  1. a lengthy discussion of an important question in which opposing opinions clash; debate; disputation
  2. a quarrel or dispute

Etymology: ME controversie < L controversia < controversus, turned in an opposite direction < contra, against + versus: see verse

controversy Synonyms

controversy

n.

contention, debate, disagreement, quarrel; see discussion 1, dispute. See syn. study at dispute.

controversy Law Definition

n

  1. A difference in views, especially in public, between individuals taking opposite sides on a particular issue.
  2. In constitutional law, an actual, definite, and concrete dispute over legal rights between parties with adverse interests wherein one party is seeking an adjudication of the dispute and specific relief of a conclusive nature. Also called case or controversy requirement. See also adversary proceeding.
separable controversy
A cause of action or claim that is part of a lawsuit, but is independent and separate from the other causes of action and claims in the action and can be severed and litigated separately from them.

controversy Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • arouse: The St Matthew and St John Passions have always aroused controversy, tho Bach can hardly have been surprised.
  • spark: One Bedlam member sparked controversy by making the same point in a recent radio interview.
  • provoke: Religion, by its very nature, provokes controversy.
  • stir: You can have ' ad-hoc coalitions for action that stir massive controversy about legitimacy ' .
  • ignite: Although the likelihood that the United States would use nuclear weapons is remote, even keeping open the possibility has ignited controversy.
  • cause: The track is already causing controversy among fans of the iconic 80s band.

Converse of subject

  • mar: Hakkinen took that victory in an event marred by controversy over team orders.
  • surround: At first, such sightings were surrounded by controversy.
  • dog: The late stages of the game were dogged by controversy.

Adjective modifier

  • Arian: The issues that needed to be resolved were the date of Easter and the Arian controversy.
  • long-running: THE long-running controversy over which company actually owns the rights to the MG Rover range of cars continues to rage.
  • bitter: Now, in the first and only comprehensive history of this bitter controversy, Saul Cornell proves conclusively that both sides are wrong.
  • theological: At least the theological controversy doesn't swamp the fun.
  • considerable: The scheme proposed in the Bill has provoked considerable controversy.
  • heated: The national identity of the Macedonians had sparked continuous and heated controversies before the Balkan Wars and the First World War.

Modifies a noun

rage: A fierce controversy rages over the origins of Groote Syndrome.

Noun used with modifier

  • cartoon: The Telegraph has more news on the Danish cartoon controversy ( see below ).
  • court: Very few advertisers wish to court controversy - it is an extremely risky road to take.
  • drug: But Petar Merkov, the Bulgarian who finished second, is involved in a drugs controversy which could yet see him disqualified.

Preposition: in

past: The denomination, with branches across the globe, has been no stranger to controversy in the past.