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Controversy vs Contentious - What's the difference?

controversy | contentious |

As a noun controversy

is a debate, discussion of opposing opinions; strife.

As an adjective contentious is

marked by heated arguments or controversy.

controversy

Noun

(controversies)
  • A debate, discussion of opposing opinions; strife.
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2011 , date=October 1 , author=Phil McNulty , title=Everton 0 - 2 Liverpool , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=The game was engulfed in controversy when Rodwell appeared to win the ball cleanly in a midfield challenge with Suarez. The tackle drew an angry response from Liverpool's players- Lucas in particular as Suarez writhed in agony - but it was an obvious injustice when the England Under-21 midfielder was shown the red card.}}

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * controversial

    References

    contentious

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Marked by heated arguments or controversy.
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2012 , date=June 19 , author=Phil McNulty , title=England 1-0 Ukraine , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=Ukraine, however, will complain long and hard about a contentious second-half incident when Marko Devic's shot clearly crossed the line before it was scrambled away by John Terry, only for the officials to remain unmoved.}}
  • Given to struggling with others out of jealousy or discord.
  • Synonyms

    * See also * See also

    Derived terms

    * contentiously * contentiousness

    References

    * *