3 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Controversy \Con"tro*ver`sy\, n.; pl {Controversies}. [L.
controversia, fr controversus turned against, disputed;
contro- = contra + versus, p. p. of vertere to turn. See
{Verse}.]
1. Contention; dispute; debate; discussion; agitation of
contrary opinions.
This left no room for controversy about the title.
--Locke.
A dispute is commonly oral, and a controversy in
writing. --Johnson.
2. Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference.
The Lord hath a controversy with the nations. --Jer.
xxv. 31.
3. A suit in law or equity; a question of right [Obs.]
When any man that had a controversy came to the king
for judgment. --2 Sam. xv
2.
Syn: Dispute; debate; disputation; disagreement; altercation;
contention; wrangle; strife; quarrel.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
controversy
n : a dispute where there is strong disagreement; "they were
involved in a violent argument" [syn: {contention}, {contestation},
{tilt}, {argument}, {arguing}]
From THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY ((C)1911 Released April 15 1993) [devils]:
CONTROVERSY, n. A battle in which spittle or ink replaces the
injurious cannon-ball and the inconsiderate bayonet.
In controversy with the facile tongue --
That bloodless warfare of the old and young --
So seek your adversary to engage
That on himself he shall exhaust his rage,
And like a snake that's fastened to the ground,
With his own fangs inflict the fatal wound.
You ask me how this miracle is done?
Adopt his own opinions, one by one
And taunt him to refute them in his wrath
He'll sweep them pitilessly from his path.
Advance then gently all you wish to prove,
Each proposition prefaced with "As you've
So well remarked," or "As you wisely say
And I cannot dispute," or "By the way
This view of it which better far expressed,
Runs through your argument." Then leave the rest
To him secure that he'll perform his trust
And prove your views intelligent and just
Conmore Apel Brune
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