Definitions
- Describing a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or argument. - Referring to a person who is argumentative or enjoys provoking conflict. - Talking about a situation or event that is characterized by conflict or disagreement.
- Describing a topic or issue that is likely to cause disagreement or debate. - Referring to a person or thing that is the subject of disagreement or dispute. - Talking about a situation or event that is characterized by opposing opinions or viewpoints.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe topics or issues that are likely to cause disagreement or conflict.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people who are argumentative or provoke conflict.
- 3Both words can be used to describe situations or events that are characterized by opposing opinions or viewpoints.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Contentious is more commonly used to describe people or situations that are argumentative or characterized by conflict, while controversial is more commonly used to describe topics or issues that are the subject of disagreement or debate.
- 2Connotation: Contentious has a more negative connotation, implying a tendency towards conflict or argument, while controversial has a more neutral connotation, simply indicating that there are differing opinions or viewpoints.
- 3Intensity: Contentious suggests a higher level of conflict or disagreement than controversial, which can be used to describe less intense disagreements or debates.
Remember this!
Contentious and controversial are synonyms that describe topics, issues, people, or situations that are likely to cause disagreement or conflict. However, contentious is more commonly used to describe people or situations that are argumentative or characterized by conflict, while controversial is more commonly used to describe topics or issues that are the subject of disagreement or debate.
