Word Study Lesson 5 This week we will discuss the directional prefixes contra, contro, counter, anti, and ant. All of these prefixes mean “against, opposite.”

Latin - contra, contro, counter Greek - anti, ant

You may have heard the words controversy or controversial. In controversy people are “turned” (vert, vers= “turn”) “against” each other as they take different sides.

The form counter can be used by itself as a verb in the phrase “to counter an argument,” which means to go “against” an argument. You will have two minutes to answer the next questions with a partner.

1.What do you do when you contradict someone? 2. What is an antonym? Is agree an antomym or synonym of contradict? 3. Move your finger in a clockwise direction. Now move it in a counterclockwise direction.

Still 3. Did you move your finger in the same direction or the opposite direction? 4. If you are antismoking, are you for smoking or against it?

Contra,- contra,-counter- are Latin and used mostly in every day words. Ant,-and anti- are Greek and used in many scientific and technical words.

Turn to a partner and figure out what each of these words mean. Remember that the prefixes mean “against” or “opposite.”

A controversial topic contrasting options counterfeit money contraband goods antiviral medicine antiseptic ointment antifreeze for the car feeling antipathy

Prefix meansBase means Word means contra against dict speak To speak against a point contradict It is a bad idea to contradict what Mr. Strong says. He could send you to ISS.

Prefix meansBase means Word means anti opposite pathy feeling To feel against something or someone antipathy There has always been strong antipathy between the two groups. They really can not stand to be around each other.

Prefix meansBase means Word means counter against act To act against something or someone counteract The antivenin had to be given to counteract the effects of the rattlesnake bite.

Prefix meansBase means Word means contra against vers turn The act of turning against an idea controversy When Jeff changed his mind about being on the baseball team, he caused a very big controversy.

Prefix meansBase means Word means anti against bio life Medicine that helps controls live bacteria antibiotic The doctor gave me an antibiotic because I had an ear infection.

Prefix meansBase means Word means counter opposite feit make To make fake money or items counterfeit The sales clerk noticed that the money was counterfeit, and since it was fake, she would not take it as payment for the groceries.

Prefix meansBase means Word means contra opposite band decree- prohibit Items or money that are prohibited contraband The border police searched the car for drugs and other contraband.

Prefix meansBase means Word means counter against, opposite x to act in opposition to; to speak against to counter Dad started to counter the argument by explaining that Jacob had to be nice to his sister even if he did not agree with her.

Prefix meansBase means Word means ant opposite onym word,name A word that means the opposite antonym An antonym is a word that means the opposite and a synonym is a word that means the same.

Prefix meansBase means Word means anti against sept infection something that works against infection to cure it antiseptic Mom put antiseptic on the new cut to keep it from getting infected.