Spanish word

contrario

Pronunciation

IPA/konˈtɾaɾjo/

Meaning

  • adjectiveopposite

Example

Tu idea es contraria a la mía.

Your idea is opposite to mine.

Illustration for contrario (opposite)

More examples

La opinión contraria provocó un debate intenso.

The opposite opinion provoked an intense debate.

Core concept

Two speech bubbles facing each other expressing opposite views.

Common phrases

  • ser contrario a

    be opposed to

  • opinión contraria

    opposite opinion

  • posición contraria

    opposite position

Similar words

opuesto: Describes something opposite in nature, direction, or arrangement.
distinto: Marks a difference in kind or type; not the same as another.
contradictorio: Shows that statements or explanations conflict or contradict each other.

Definition in Spanish

Indica que algo está en oposición o es el opuesto de otra cosa en lo moral, lógico o práctico.

Word origin

Comes from Latin contrārius (contra "against" + -arius) and retains the sense of being set against or opposed in Spanish.

Usage tips

  • Contrario agrees in gender and number and normally takes the preposition a to mark what is opposed, as in 'contraria a la idea'.

Other meanings

  • reverseadjective

Opposites

  • coincidentematchingadjective
  • congruentecongruentadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word