Contraire

/kɔnˈtreɪr/ adjective

Definition

Opposite or contrary to something, especially used in the French phrase 'au contraire' meaning 'on the contrary.'

Etymology

From French 'contraire,' from Latin 'contrarius' (opposite), combining 'contra' (against) and 'arius' (relating to), literally meaning going-against.

Kelly Says

The French phrase 'au contraire' became so common in English that many speakers use it without realizing it's not English—it's a linguistic reminder of how French influenced English after 1066.

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