How to Pronounce “controversial”

American (US)

/ˌkɑn.tɹəˈvɝ.ʃəl/

British (UK)

/ˌkɒn.tɹəˈvɜː.ʃəl/

Australian (AU)

/ˌkɔn.tɹəˈvɜː.ʃəl/

adjective — Arousing or likely to arouse controversy.

Where the stress falls. “controversial” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkɑn.tɹəˈvɝ.ʃəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌkɑn.tɹəˈvɝ.ʃəl/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "controversial" mean?

controversial (adjective): Arousing or likely to arouse controversy.

How do you pronounce "controversial" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌkɑn.tɹəˈvɝ.ʃəl/. British English: /ˌkɒn.tɹəˈvɜː.ʃəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "controversial"?

/ˌkɑn.tɹəˈvɝ.ʃəl/ in American English, /ˌkɒn.tɹəˈvɜː.ʃəl/ in British English, /ˌkɔn.tɹəˈvɜː.ʃəl/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "controversial"?

“controversial” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkɑn.tɹəˈvɝ.ʃəl/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

• TOEFL pronunciation words