nounpreposition

il contro

against

Indica che qualcosa o qualcuno si trova in posizione opposta a un’altra cosa o persona, oppure mostra disaccordo.

The Italian word "contro" is a preposition and sometimes used as an adverb or adjective. Here's an explanation of its meaning, usage, and related terms:

Meaning:

  1. Preposition: "against"

    • "Contro" primarily means "against" in English.
    • It indicates opposition, resistance, or contact.
    • Example: La partita è stata giocata contro una squadra forte. (“The match was played against a strong team.”)
  2. Adverb or adjective (less common)

    • In some contexts, it can mean "contrary to" or "in opposition to."
    • Example: Agire contro le regole. (“To act against the rules.”)

Word parts:

  • "Contro" is not usually broken down into smaller parts, as it is a simple preposition derived from Latin "contra", meaning the same.

Synonyms:

  • contro (as "against") can be similar to:
    • in opposizione a (in opposition to)
    • controparte (not a synonym but derived; meaning counterpart/opposite party)
    • verso (towards, in some contexts)

Antonyms:

  • Preposition:
    • a favore di (in favor of)
    • con (with)
    • per (for)

Summary:

  • "Contro" is mostly used to express opposition or resistance.
  • It establishes an adversarial or opposing relationship between two entities or ideas.
  • Frequent in contexts like sports, debates, legal disputes, or physical contact ("against a wall" = contro il muro).

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Examples

La squadra gioca contro un'altra squadra.preposition

The team plays against another team.

Hai dei pregiudizi contro questo nuovo progetto?preposition

Do you have any prejudices against this new project?

I ragazzi remano contro corrente nel fiume.preposition

The boys row against the current in the river.

Voto contro perché non sono d'accordo.preposition

I vote against because I do not agree.

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