contra
against
A preposition meaning "against" — identical to the English prefix contra-
Encoding Strategies:
linguistic
counter
against
Contra means against and is the Spanish equivalent of the English word counter0, as in counterattack0 or counter-argument0.
contra
against (opposition),
against, into (direction)
Used when two things are in opposition, or when something moves toward and into something else.
Estamos en guerra contra el enemigoWe are at war against the enemy
El coche chocó contra la paredThe car crashed into the wall
against (position)
When something is physically resting or leaning against something else.
Apoyó la bicicleta contra el muroShe leaned the bicycle against the wall
en contra
against, in opposition
En places you in a state, and contra is that state — a general sense of opposition.
Voté en contra de la propuestaI voted against the proposal
¿Estás a favor o en contra?Are you for or against?
a la contra
in opposition, against the grain (attitude),
on the counter, on the counterattack (sports)
A points toward something specific, and la contra is that thing — the counter-position or counter-strategy. So "a la contra" means you're oriented toward that defined stance.
Siempre va a la contra de todoHe always goes against everything
El equipo jugó a la contra y marcó dos golesThe team played on the counter and scored two goals