Today’s Spanish word of the day is “contra”.
It’s a proposition meaning “against”.
It can also be used as a masculine noun meaning “con”, as in “the pros and cons”, which in Spanish is “los pros y los contras”.
The word “contra” comes from Latin contra, which had the same meaning. This Latin root is found in many English words including “contraction”, “contrast”, “contrary” and “contrarian”.
Several figurative expressions involve the word “contra”, including the following:
- Contra corriente – Against the current (going against the norm)
- Contra reloj – Against the clock (in a race against time)
- Contra viento y marea – Against wind and tide (persisting despite all obstacles)
- Contra la pared – Against the wall (a difficult situation with no easy way out)
Example sentences
Estoy en contra de esa decisión.
I’m against that decision.
El equipo juega contra sus rivales mañana.
The team plays against its rivals tomorrow.
Se apoyó contra la puerta para cerrarla bien.
He leaned against the door to close it properly.
Chocó contra la pared.
He crashed into the wall.
Es una vacuna contra la gripe.
It’s a vaccine against the flu.
