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polémica

po-LEH-mee-kah/poˈlemika/

controversy

Also: dispute, debate
NounfB1
General
Two people standing on separate wooden podiums in a public park, gesturing with their hands as they engage in a lively debate before a small crowd.

📝 In Action

La nueva película del director ha causado mucha polémica.

B1

The director's new movie has caused a lot of controversy.

Hay una polémica constante sobre el uso de la tecnología en clase.

B1

There is a constant debate about the use of technology in class.

Para evitar la polémica, el político decidió no responder a las críticas.

B2

To avoid controversy, the politician decided not to respond to the criticism.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • generar polémica – to cause/generate controversy
  • desatar una polémica – to spark a controversy
  • estar envuelto en polémica – to be surrounded by controversy

Idioms & Expressions

  • meterse en polémicas – to get involved in arguments or controversial topics

controversial

Also: polemical
A group of people looking at a modern sculpture; some are smiling and clapping while others are frowning and crossing their arms.

📝 In Action

Esa fue una decisión muy polémica por parte del gobierno.

B1

That was a very controversial decision by the government.

Es una figura polémica en la historia de su país.

B2

She is a controversial figure in her country's history.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • discutida (debated/disputed)
  • controvertida (controversial)

Antonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "polémica" in Spanish:

controversial→polemical→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: polémica

Question 1 of 3

Which verb is most commonly used with 'polémica' to say something started an argument?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
polémico(controversial (masculine)) — Adjective
polemizar(to argue or debate) — Verb
polemista(someone who loves to debate) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
académicasistémica
📚 Etymology▼

From the Ancient Greek word 'polemos', which means 'war'. Originally, it referred to the 'art of war', but over time it shifted to describe a 'war of words' or a heated argument.

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: polemicFrench: polémiquePortuguese: polêmica

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'polémica' always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. While it implies disagreement, it often refers to an important public debate that needs to happen for society to change.

What is the difference between 'polémica' and 'discusión'?

A 'discusión' is often a private or specific argument between two people. A 'polémica' is usually a larger, public controversy involving many people or the media.

Can I call a person 'una polémica'?

No. If a person is controversial, you say they are 'polémico' (for a man) or 'polémica' (for a woman). If you want to say they are someone who enjoys debating, use 'polemista'.