polémico

controversial

adjective poh-LEH-mee-koh Less Common

Usage Note

Polémico carries a stronger charge than the English 'controversial', often implying that something has already sparked public dispute or anger rather than merely being open to debate. The related noun is la polémica ('the controversy' or 'the polemic'). The feminine form is polémica, which overlaps with the noun and can sometimes be ambiguous in context.

Examples

"El tema es muy polémico en España."

Natural Translation

The topic is very controversial in Spain.

Related Words

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