DictionaryRoot: contra-
Latin
contra-
against, opposite; in response to
Forms
- contra-
- counter- — English form developed through French contre-.
Origin
Probably an older Latin formation based on com-, ‘with,’ and an ending expressing contrast or relative position.
Note
Opposition can take the form of a matching response, not simply a refusal.
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noun / verb
counterpoise
KOWN-ter-poyz/ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪz/
A weight or influence that balances another, or to balance something this way.
Etymology
A “weight against” another weight holds it in balance. The same image applies to opposing powers or forces: a counterpoise offsets another force rather than merely resisting it.