Prolonged public disputes or heated discussions involving strongly differing opinions on matters of public interest. Plural of controversy.
From Latin 'controversia', from 'controversus' (turned against, disputed), combining 'contra' (against) + 'versus' (turned). The word literally means 'turned against' each other in argument.
Controversies are literally about people being 'turned against' each other, which explains why they're so difficult to resolve - the very word suggests opposing forces facing off rather than seeking common ground!
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