counter/contra(o) “opposite” “against” “contrary” “opposing”

contradict (v) to say or do something that is opposite or very different in meaning to something else that you said or did earlier The witness contradicted herself when she insisted she could identify the thief even though she had said that the night was too foggy to see clearly.

contradict Apply It-Can you recall a time when someone contradicted themselves? Explain.

controversy (n) strong disagreement about something The decision created much controversy among the students. The decision created much controversy among the students.

controversy Apply It- List some controversial issues in society.

counteract (v) to cause (something) to have less of an effect or to have no effect at all There are medications that counteract the side effects of sea sickness.

counteract Apply It- Use the word counteract in a sentence.

counter-argument (n) an argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument The attorney’s counter- argument failed to convince the jury that his client was innocent.

Counter-argument Where would you use a counter-argument?

counterintuitive (adj) contrary to intuition or to common- sense expectation (but often nevertheless true) It seems counterintuitive, but we do burn calories while we are sleeping.

counterintuitve Provide some situations that are counterintuitive.

ambi/amphi “both” “around”

ambidextrous (adj)able to use both hands equally well In baseball, ambidextrous players are valuable to their team.

ambidextrous In athletics, ambidexterity is highly prized. In what sports would ambidextrous athletes have an advantage?

ambiguous (adj) able to be understood in more than one way; having more than one possible meaning From her ambiguous answer, I could not tell whether she was complimenting me or insulting me.

ambiguous Apply It- How might an ambiguous profile on a social media website like Facebook, Vine, or Instagram, help to protect your identity?

ambivalent (adj) having or showing very different feelings (such as love and hate) about someone or something at the same time. The boy was experiencing ambivalence about his speech, wanting to give it yet dreading it.

ambivalent Is being ambivalent about a controversial issue the same thing as being indecisive?

ambitious (adj) having the desire to be successful She’s ambitious and hopes to get a better job.

ambitious What motivates an ambitious student to want to be successful?

ambience (n)the mood or feeling of a particular place: atmosphere The balloons, streamers and party favors gave the room a festive ambience.

ambience Apply It-List synonyms for the term ambience.