How do you pronounce "controversial"?

In American English: /ˌkɑːntrəˈvɝːʃəl/ (kahntr-uh-VURSH-uhl). In British English: /kˌɒntɹəvˈɜːʃəl/ (k-ontr-UHV-ɜsh). In Canadian English: /ˌkɑːntrəˈvɝːʃəl/ (kahntr-uh-VURSH-uhl). In Australian English: /kˌɒntɹəvˈɜːʃəl/ (k-ontr-UHV-ɜsh).

Is "controversial" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌkɑːntrəˈvɝːʃəl/ (kahntr-uh-VURSH-uhl), while in British English it's /kˌɒntɹəvˈɜːʃəl/ (k-ontr-UHV-ɜsh).

How to Pronounce "controversial"

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controversial

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/ˌkɑːntrəˈvɝːʃəl/

kahntr-uh-VURSH-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

kɑːntrcon·ətro·vɝːʃver·əlsial

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14