Master confusing words with ease
Contentious vs. Controversial
Contentious
/kənˈtenʃəs/Examples:
The meeting turned contentious over budget cuts.Her speech sparked a contentious debate in the community.Contentious politics often leads to heated arguments.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Controversial
/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl/Examples:
The artist's new exhibition is highly controversial.Her remarks on the policy were deemed controversial.Debates about the controversial film continue.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Contentious involves a debate or argument, often implying aggressiveness or hostility in the discussion.
- Controversial indicates that there are differing opinions or widespread disagreement, not necessarily involving direct conflict.
- While both words suggest disagreement, contentious often involves personal disputes, while controversial may apply to broader social or political issues.
- A contentious person or topic invites argument; a controversial person or topic invites debate.
- Remember, contention is about personal struggle or conflict, controversy is about widespread public disagreement.
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