The prefix contra- means which of the following?

The prefix contra- means which of the following?

• A. Toward
• B. With
• C. Against
• D. Along

Answer: (C)

Contra- expresses opposition or negation. It comes from Latin contra, meaning against, opposite, or in opposition to. That’s why it appears in words like contradict (to speak against) and contraindication (a condition that makes a treatment not advisable). It can also convey opposing or counter actions, as in contraception (against pregnancy). Toward is conveyed by a different prefix (often ad-), with means together or along in some contexts with the con- form, and along isn’t a standard directional prefix like contra-. So the best suit is the sense of being against or opposing.

Contra- expresses opposition or negation. It comes from Latin contra, meaning against, opposite, or in opposition to. That’s why it appears in words like contradict (to speak against) and contraindication (a condition that makes a treatment not advisable). It can also convey opposing or counter actions, as in contraception (against pregnancy).

Toward is conveyed by a different prefix (often ad-), with means together or along in some contexts with the con- form, and along isn’t a standard directional prefix like contra-. So the best suit is the sense of being against or opposing.