Spanish Conversation · Level 164
30 words
Spanish word
contraatacar
Pronunciation
IPA/kontɾaataˈkaɾ/
Meaning
- verbretaliate
Example
Si alguien te insulta, no debes contraatacar de inmediato.
If someone insults you, you should not retaliate immediately.
More examples
Ante una crítica injusta, decidió contraatacar con argumentos.
Faced with unfair criticism, he decided to counter with arguments.
Core concept
A retaliatory move that seeks to regain the upper hand, whether by deed or by words.
Common phrases
contraatacar con argumentos
counter with arguments
contraatacar con hechos
counter with facts
Similar words
replicar: Says a concise comeback (often quick and pointed) in reply to someone's remark.
rebatir: Counters an argument by challenging its logic or supplying contradictory evidence.
contrarrestar: Uses practical means or forceful measures to counteract harmful effects or aggression.
Definition in Spanish
Contestar con una acción o palabra que revierta una ofensa o un ataque recibido.
Word origin
From Spanish contra 'against' combined with atacar 'to attack', the verb denotes striking back at an aggressor or insult.
Usage tips
- In everyday speech speakers often prefer verbs like responder or replicar when they mean simply to reply rather than to retaliate.