French word

contre-courant

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃tʁəkuʁɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunconventional

Example

Son style est clairement contre-courant dans le monde de la mode.

His style is clearly unconventional in the fashion world.

Illustration for contre-courant (unconventional)

More examples

Sa démarche politique est contre-courant.

His political approach is counter to the mainstream.

Core concept

A small stream cutting across the main flow of ideas, behavior, or style.

Common phrases

  • être contre-courant

    be counter to the mainstream

  • une position contre-courant

    a position opposed to the mainstream

  • un mouvement contre-courant

    a movement opposed to the mainstream

Similar words

non-conformiste: Disregarding social conventions or expectations.
original: Marked by fresh, distinctive ideas or expression.
rebelle: Defiant toward authority or established rules.
différent: Different from others in some way.

Definition in French

Qualifie une idée, un comportement ou un style qui s'oppose à la tendance dominante.

Word origin

The compound joins French contre, from Latin contra meaning against, with courant, related to courir and Latin currere meaning to run or flow.

Usage tips

  • The adjective is invariable, so it remains contre-courant with masculine, feminine, singular, and plural nouns.

Other meanings

  • countercurrentnoun
  • countertrendnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word