Meaning & use
contra argument
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Meaning
nouncountable
An argument that opposes or contradicts another argument.
Grammar: Countable: you can have one contra argument or several contra arguments.
Patterns
- a contra argument against something
- a contra argument to something
She presented a strong contra argument against the proposed theory.
The essay lacked any contra argument to balance the main claim.
He offered a contra argument to the idea that technology always improves life.
Word forms
| plural | contra arguments |
|---|
Common combinations
- strong contra argument
- The lawyer made a strong contra argument that convinced the jury.
- present a contra argument
- In the debate, each side must present a contra argument.
- contra argument against
- There is a common contra argument against raising taxes.
- offer a contra argument
- He offered a contra argument to the popular belief.
Synonyms and how they differ
- counterargument
- More common and slightly less formal; often used in everyday academic writing.
- rebuttal
- Focuses on directly disproving the other argument, while a contra argument simply opposes it.
- objection
- A reason for disagreeing, often based on personal feeling; a contra argument is a structured logical response.
Opposites
Word family
- argument noun
- A reason or set of reasons given to persuade others.
- argue verb
- To give reasons for or against something.
- argumentative adjective
- Often disagreeing or wanting to argue.
Commonly confused: contra argument or counterargument? contra argument or contradiction?
contra argument vs counterargument
Means the same but is more common and usually written as one word.
contra argument vs contradiction
A direct opposition between two statements; a contra argument is a reasoned response, not just a conflict.
Practice
In a formal debate, what is a 'contra argument'?
Choose one answer.
A contra argument is specifically an argument against another argument. Option An is the opposite, option C is a fallacy, and option D is a conclusion.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “contra argument”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.