How to Pronounce Controversial

To pronounce "controversial", say contr-ov-ERS-ial — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌkɑntɹəˈvɝʃəɫ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

controversial

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Accent

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Speed

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4

Syllables

13

Letters

/ˌkɑntɹəˈvɝʃəɫ/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/kˌɒntɹəvˈɜːʃəl/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “controversial”

Break "controversial" into 4 beats and lean on "ERS" — that's the stressed one.

What does controversial mean?

adjective

  1. Arousing or likely to arouse controversy.
  2. Engaging in or given to controversy; disputatious, argumentative.

noun

  1. Someone or something (such as a matter or an argument) that is controversial.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "controversial"?▾

To pronounce "controversial", say contr-ov-ERS-ial — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌkɑntɹəˈvɝʃəɫ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

How many syllables are in "controversial"?▾

"Controversial" has 4 syllables: contr · ov · ers · ial.

What is the IPA transcription of "controversial"?▾

The IPA transcription of "controversial" is /ˌkɑntɹəˈvɝʃəɫ/.

What does "controversial" mean?▾

Controversial: Arousing or likely to arouse controversy.

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