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adjectiveadjective

controverso

controversial

Definition & meaning

Controverso means controversial, disputed, or debatable. It describes something that causes disagreement or is open to differing interpretations.

  • Una decisione controversa — a controversial decision.
  • Un punto controverso — a disputed point.

Grammar & Word origin

An adjective with four forms: controverso (masculine singular), controversa (feminine singular), controversi (masculine plural), and controverse (feminine plural).

It comes from Latin controversus, meaning “disputed,” from elements meaning “against” and “turned.”

Synonyms & antonyms

  • discusso — debated or questioned; often less strongly suggests opposing sides.
  • contestato — challenged or opposed, emphasizing active objection.
  • dibattuto — debated, emphasizing discussion rather than disagreement itself.
  • indiscusso — undisputed or universally acknowledged.
  • incontestabile — indisputable; too clear or certain to be reasonably challenged.

Common phrases & collocations

  • una questione controversa — a controversial issue
  • un argomento controverso — a controversial topic
  • una figura controversa — a controversial figure

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Examples

Il tema è controverso.adjective

The topic is controversial.

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