How to pronounce contra
Say it like KAHN-truh. Contra has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contra. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHN
- truh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contra pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- truhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of contra
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-truh.
What does contra mean?
- Against; contrary or opposed to; in opposition or contrast to.
- Contrary to something.
- A deal to swap goods or services.
- An entry (or account) that cancels another entry (or account).“a contra position; a contra entry”
- Any of the musical instruments in the contrabass range, e.g. contrabassoon, contrabass clarinet or, especially, double bass.
Where does contra come from?
Ultimately from Latin contrā.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying contra
How do you pronounce contra?
Say KAHN-truh. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntrə/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntrə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contra?
Contra has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · truh.
Is contra pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒntrə/ (KON-truh).