How to Pronounce CONTROVERSY

Learn how to pronounce controversy correctly by understanding the syllables and which one to stress.

The word controversy is made up of 4 syllables. Stress the first syllable – KON-troh-ver-see

In the example we see demonstrators outside the houses of parliament in London.
The sentence reads: Controversy surrounded the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

The adjective is controversial with 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable – kon-troh-VER-shul
The sentence reads: The UK’s decision to leave the European Union was very controversial.

Examples of CONTROVERSY from news items with useful collocations marked in bold:

There’s been a recent controversy in the comedy world that I wanted to ask you about, since it’s opened up a debate about using racial stereotypes in comedy.
Source: The New York Times

But his post invited more controversy in America after labeling protesters in Hong Kong as “separatists.”
Source: Reuters

Recently, Facebook became embroiled in controversy after a claim about whether abortion is ever medically necessary — made by pro-life group Live Action — was rated false.
Source: Fox News

Koizumi sparked controversy shortly after being appointed when he told his first news conference that he wants Japan to close down nuclear reactors to avoid a repeat of the Fukushima catastrophe in 2011.
Source: Reuters

Now you know how to pronounce CONTROVERSY and say it correctly, try to use it today sometime in conversation.

If you are interested in how to pronounce confusing words, check this page:
How to Pronounce EXTRAORDINARY

Image Credits

Slides 3 & 5 - demonstrators
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/T2V2vo

Creative Commons License:
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