How to pronounce controversy
Say it like KON-truh-vur-see. Controversy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce controversy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KON
- truh
- vur
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Americans stress the first syllable. Britons say either 'KON-truh-vur-see' or 'kun-TROV-uh-see'.
Controversy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- truhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- vurGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of controversy
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-truh-vur-see.
What does controversy mean?
- a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement“they were involved in a violent argument”
Where does controversy come from?
From Middle English controversie, from Old French controversie, from Latin contrōversia (“debate, contention, controversy”), from contrōversus (“turned in an opposite direction”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying controversy
How do you pronounce controversy?
Say KON-truh-vur-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntrəˌvɝsi/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in controversy?
Controversy has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON). Broken into parts: KON · truh · vur · see.
Is controversy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi/ (KON-truh-vur-see).