How to Pronounce “controversy”

American (US)

/ˈkɑːntrəvɜːrsi/

British (UK)

/ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi/

noun — Prolonged public disagreement or heated debate.

Example: The decision caused a controversy that lasted months.

Synonyms: dispute, argument

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

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈkɑːntrəvɜːrsi/ 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 "controversy" mean?

controversy (noun): Prolonged public disagreement or heated debate. For example — The decision caused a controversy that lasted months.

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

American English: /ˈkɑːntrəvɜːrsi/. British English: /ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "controversy"?

/ˈkɑːntrəvɜːrsi/ in American English, /ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "controversy"?

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