This is the 2186th most frequent Portuguese word.
polêmica
"Polêmica" in English means "controversy" or "debate involving opposing opinions."
Here, 'polêmica' is used as a noun referring to an ongoing public disagreement or debate about a specific topic.
A polêmica sobre a decisão do governo continua nas redes sociais.
The controversy about the government's decision continues on social media.
In this case, 'polêmicas' describes situations that provoke debate or disagreement, functioning as an adjective modifying 'situações'.
Ela sempre evita situações polêmicas para não causar discussões.
She always avoids controversial situations to not cause discussions.
In this sentence, 'polêmica' signifies the reaction or disagreement caused by the book's subject matter.