contra
/'kɔntrə/
Definition
Noun:
- A member of an armed rebel group: Specifically, a member of the guerrilla force that opposed the left-wing Sandinista government in Nicaragua during the 1980s.
- Opposition or contrast: (Less common as a standalone noun) Refers to a person or thing that is opposite or contrary.
Prefix:
- Against, opposite, contrasting: Used to form words indicating opposition, contrast, or reciprocity.
Usage and Examples
As a Noun (Historical/Political Context):
- The U.S. government provided support to the contras during the Nicaraguan conflict.
- He was accused of being a contra sympathizer.
As a Prefix:
- The two politicians held contra viewpoints on the issue. (Here, 'contra' is used attributively to mean 'opposing').
- Contraflow traffic was implemented after the accident. (In the compound word 'contraflow').
Advanced Usage and Notes
- 'Pro and contra': A phrase meaning 'for and against', used especially in formal discussions or debates to list arguments.
- We must consider all the pros and contras before making a decision.
- 'Per contra': A formal, chiefly financial or legal term meaning 'on the contrary' or 'conversely'.
- The asset shows a gain; per contra, the liability has increased.
Variants and Related Words
- Contra- (prefix): Used in many compound words.
- Contradict (v): To state the opposite; to deny the truth of a statement.
- Contrary (adj): Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
- Contraband (n): Goods that are illegal to import or export.
- Contravention (n): An action that violates a law, rule, or agreement.
- Contra is also used in music (e.g., ) and other fields to denote a lower or opposite version.
Synonyms
- Rebel (n): A person who rises in opposition against an established government or ruler.
- Guerrilla (n): A member of a small independent group fighting against a larger force.
- Opponent (n): A person who opposes or competes against another.
Antonyms
- Ally (n): A state or person cooperating with another for a military or other purpose.
- Supporter (n): A person who approves of and encourages someone or something.
Important Note
The capitalized form 'Contra' (often seen as the Contras) almost exclusively refers to the Nicaraguan rebel groups. The lowercase form 'contra' is rare as a standalone word in modern English outside of historical context; its meaning is almost always carried by the prefix contra- or in the fixed phrases 'pro and contra' and 'per contra'.
Noun
-
a member of the guerrilla force that opposed a left-wing government in Nicaragua
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