4.2.1

For & Against

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Pro - For

Words beginning in 'pro' can mean being for something or in a forward direction. The prefix 'pro' has lots of other meanings, like being 'in front of' something, but here we will only look at the forward meaning.

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Propel

  • To propel means to push or drive forward.
    • Example: The wind helped to propel the boat forward.
    • Alternative: The wind helped to drive the boat forward.
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Pro

  • To be pro something means to be in favour of it.
  • A pro is also an advantage of something.
    • Example: Sebastian was pro the idea of his school abolishing homework.
    • Alternative: Sebastian was for the idea of his school abolishing homework.
    • Example: A pro of living on the outskirts of a city is that it is often cheaper.
    • Alternative: An advantage of living on the outskirts of a city is that it is often cheaper.
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Proceed

  • To proceed means to go forwards.
    • Example: We will proceed with this matter no further.
    • Alternative: We will go forward with this matter no further.
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Proclaim

  • To proclaim is to announce something publicly - to put 'forward' your thoughts publicly.
    • Example: The government proclaimed that the war was over.
    • Alternative: The government announced that the war was over.

Anti - Against

Words beginning with 'anti' generally mean being against or opposed to something.

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Antibiotic

  • An antibiotic is a substance used to destroy microorganisms and treat infections.
    • Example: My brother is taking antibiotics because he has tonsillitis.
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Antisocial

  • Antisocial means not social or against society.
    • Example: Henry will not go to the party because he is too antisocial.
    • Alternative: Henry will not go to the party because he doesn't like socialising.
    • Example: Stealing is an example of antisocial behaviour.
    • Alternative: Stealing is an example of wrong behaviour.
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Anticlimax

  • A climax is a build up towards something really exciting. So an anticlimax is when something is not as exciting or impressive as expected, so it causes disappointment.
    • Example: The book's ending was an anticlimax.
    • Alternative: The book's ending was a disappointment.
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Antibacterial

  • Something that's antibacterial is designed to kill bacteria - it's 'against' bacteria.
    • Example: I shouldn't have touched that dirty plate - I don't have any antibacterial gel with me.
    • Alternative: I shouldn't have touched that dirty plate - I don't have any bacteria-killing gel with me.

Contra - Against

Words beginning with 'contra' generally mean against something.

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Contrast

  • A contrast is a difference between two or more things.
    • Example: Molly and Georgia have contrasting hair colours.
    • Alternative: Molly and Georgia have opposite hair colours.
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Contradict

  • To contradict means to say that something is wrong, or to say the opposite of what someone has said.
    • Example: The dictator said the captives deserved to be punished, and no one contradicted him.
    • Alternative: The dictator said the captives deserved to be punished, and no one said he was wrong.
    • Example: Jessica said the journey was pleasant; Hattie contradicted her by saying the journey was awful.
    • Alternative: Jessica said the journey was pleasant; Hattie opposed her by saying the journey was awful
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Contrary

  • Contrary means opposite in nature - 'against' the nature of something.
  • On the contrary is a common phrase meaning opposite to.
    • Example: Patrick thought the fleece was ugly. I, on the contrary, thought the fleece was beautiful.
    • Alternative: Patrick thought the fleece was ugly. I, on the other hand, thought the fleece was beautiful.
    • Example: The results of the match were contrary to my expectations.
    • Alternative: The results of the match were the opposite of what I expected.
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Contraception

  • Contraception is the use of different methods to prevent pregnancy. More literally, contraception means 'against' conception, which is the act of conceiving a child.
    • Example: Condoms are a cheap and effective means of contraception.
    • Alternative: Condoms are a cheap and effective means of birth control.

Jump to other topics

1Spelling

2Punctuation

3Grammar

4Decoding Words

5Reading & Writing

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