French Conversation · Level 45
75 words
French word
contraire
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃tʁɛʁ/
Meaning
- adjectiveopposite
Example
Ses opinions sont contraires aux miennes.
His opinions are the opposite of mine.
More examples
Ce comportement est contraire à nos valeurs.
This behavior is contrary to our values.
Core concept
A mirror-like reversal in which one feature or direction becomes its opposing counterpart.
Common phrases
contraire à
contrary to
idée contraire
opposite idea
opinion contraire
opposing opinion
Similar words
opposé: Diametrically opposite in position, direction, or opinion.
inverse: Reversed in order or relationship from the original.
Definition in French
Qualifie ce qui constitue l'inverse ou le contraire d'une autre chose, s'accordant en genre et en nombre avec le nom.
Word origin
The French word derives from Latin contrarius through Old French, with contrarius built on contra, meaning 'against'.
Usage tips
- Au contraire is a fixed adverbial expression, whereas le contraire is a noun phrase meaning the opposite.
Other meanings
- contraryadjective
Related words
- contrairementcontrarilyadverb
- contrarierthwartverb