polémica

controversy

noun poh-LEH-mee-kah Less Common

Origin: From Greek polemikos (warlike).

Also means

debate

Usage Note

Polémica denotes a heated public dispute or controversy, often in media or political contexts — la polémica sobre la ley ('the controversy over the law'). The adjective polémico/a ('controversial') is very common. The stress on the antepenultimate syllable requires a written accent: po-lé-mi-ca.

Examples

"La decisión generó una gran polémica."

Natural Translation

The decision generated a great deal of controversy.

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