contra
1[ kon-truh ]
/ ˈkɒn trə /
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preposition
against; in opposition or contrast to: Consider the problems of the teenager contra those of the adult.
adverb
contrariwise; on or to the contrary.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of contra
11350–1400; Middle English <Latin contrā
Other definitions for contra (2 of 4)
contra2
[ kon-truh; Spanish kawn-trah ]
/ ˈkɒn trə; Spanish ˈkɔn trɑ /
noun, plural con·tras [kon-truhz; Spanish kawn-trahs]. /ˈkɒn trəz; Spanish ˈkɔn trɑs/.
(often initial capital letter) a member of a counterrevolutionary guerrilla group in Nicaragua.
Origin of contra
2First recorded in 1980–85; from Central American Spanish, shortening of contrarrevolucionario “counterrevolutionary”
Other definitions for contra (3 of 4)
contra-1
a prefix meaning “against,” “opposite,” “opposing”: contradistinction, contraindicate.
Origin of contra-
1<Late Latin, Latin, prefixal use of adverb and preposition contrā
Other definitions for contra (4 of 4)
contra-2
a prefix meaning “pitched lower than” the voice or instrument specified by the following element: contralto, contrabassoon.
Origin of contra-
2<Italian <Latin; see contra-1, counterpoint
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use contra in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for contra
contra-
prefix
against; contrary; opposing; contrastingcontraceptive; contradistinction
(in music) pitched belowcontrabass
Word Origin for contra-
from Latin, from contrā against
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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