uncontroversial
Meaning
not causing or likely to cause any public disagreement or argument.
Structure
Usage
the decision to appoint her was largely uncontroversial.
it is an uncontroversial fact that exercise improves health.
the proposal seemed uncontroversial and passed with little discussion.
Etymology
The word uncontroversial is a Modern English formation built upon the older adjective 'controversial.' Its core logic lies in the Latin elements 'contra-' (against) and 'vertere' (to turn), which combined to form 'controversia,' meaning a turning against, hence a dispute or debate. The suffix '-ial' forms the adjective 'controversial,' describing something subject to such dispute. Finally, the Germanic prefix 'un-' is added to negate the meaning, resulting in a word that literally means "not turned against," or more logically, not subject to opposing debate, leading to its current sense of being widely accepted and not causing argument.
Analysis
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," used to give a negative force. - contro: a combining form from latin 'contra,' meaning "against, opposite." - versial: derived from the latin past participle stem 'vers-' (from 'vertere,' meaning "to turn") combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-ial,' indicating a quality or condition.