Contra Meaning
/ˈkɒntɹə/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
prepAgainst; contrary or opposed to; in opposition or contrast to.
advContrary to something.
Sentence Examples
The judge's ruling was contra to all previous evidence.
Arguments both pro and contra were heard during the debate.
The advocate argued contra to the proposed policy changes.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The treaty required all parties to act ____ the use of chemical weapons.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The judge's ruling was ____ to all previous evidence.
Word Origin & History
Ultimately from Latin contrā.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[…] it is useless to pray “Thy kingdom come” and vote contra or stay away from the polls; […]"
— 1893 November 30, “The W.C.T.U. Convention. Interesting Reports Considered in Relation to the Several Departments of the Work. Suggested Lines of Development—Programme for the Closing Day.”, in The Daily Colonist, volume LXX, number 148, Victoria, B.C., page 3, column 1:
"Folk histories record that contras were gradually displaced by the introduction of the quadrille and the new couple dances."
— 2001, Ellen Koskoff, editor, The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: North America, Garland Publishing, page 232:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The treaty required all parties to act ____ the use of chemical weapons.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The judge's ruling was ____ to all previous evidence.