For & Against
English Language: KS3, topic 4.2.1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Antibiotic
- An antibiotic is a substance used to destroy microorganisms and treat infections.
- Example: My brother is taking antibiotics because he has tonsillitis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Test yourself on For & Against
What can the prefix 'pro' mean?
Holly became more antisocial when she started learning the flute
Which sentence is an appropriate alternative?What does the prefix 'contra' generally mean?