Spanish word

contra

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkontɾa/

Meaning

  • prepositionagainst

Example

Estoy contra esa decisión.

I am against that decision.

Illustration for contra (against)

More examples

La mayoría está en contra de la propuesta.

The majority is against the proposal.

Core concept

Two teams labeled A and B facing each other.

Common phrases

  • estar en contra de

    be against

  • en contra de

    in opposition to

  • luchar contra

    fight against

Similar words

en contra de: A stated personal disagreement with someone's opinion, decision, or policy.
en contra: A brief, colloquial expression showing that one is against something.
en oposición a: Formal opposition suitable for official or public statements.

Definition in Spanish

Señala contraste u oposición hacia algo y, en contextos físicos, indica contacto o choque.

Word origin

Borrowed through medieval Romance from Latin contra (cf. French contre, Italian contro), contra in Spanish expresses contrast, opposition, or bodily contact.

Usage tips

  • To state a personal opposition Spanish uses estar en contra de rather than soy contra, which sounds odd or incomplete.

Other meanings

  • versuspreposition
  • in contact withpreposition

Opposites

  • a favor dein favor ofpreposition

Related words

Word lists with this word