ˈɑː(ɹ).ɡju.ɪŋ kənˈtɛnʃən ˈkɒntɹəˌvɜːsi ˈkɑntɹəˌvɝsi dɪˈbeɪt dɪsɛpˈteɪʃən dɪsˌpjuːˈteɪʃən a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement they were involved in a violent argument the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)