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

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

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. It rhymes with commercial and uncontroversial, if that helps it stick.

What does controversial mean?

adjective

Arousing controversy—a debate or discussion of opposing opinions.

Synonyms

contentious contested

Antonyms

incontrovertible noncontroversial uncontroversial

Hear “controversial” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with controversial

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

commercial uncontroversial inertial noncontroversial infomercial noncommercial commerical herschell eurocommercial herschel pershall urschel

Frequently asked questions

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 controversy—a debate or discussion of opposing opinions.

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