aller contre
To go against in French is aller contre.
The phrase is used to express the act of opposing or resisting something.
Meaning: to oppose, resist (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb aller (to go) and the preposition contre (against).
Which one should you use?
While aller contre can be used for physical direction or direct opposition, the expression aller à l'encontre de is the standard way to express abstract opposition to things like a decision or a law.
Did you know?
- French uses the noun contre-courant to describe not just swimming against the tide, but also people who lead non-conformist lives.
- While aller à l'encontre de usually means to oppose, it is also used to describe a coincidence that happens in the opposite direction of what was expected.
- The preposition contre in your phrase shares its DNA with the English word 'contra', found in terms like 'contradict' or 'contrary'. They both trace their lineage back to the Latin word 'contra'.
Examples in context
- Il m'y a fait aller contre ma volonté.He made me go against my will.This sentence shows how to use aller contre regarding a person's will.Tatoeba #1347778 by sacredceltic, translation #304006 by CK
- Vous ne pouvez aller contre les lois de la nature.You can't go against the laws of nature.This sentence demonstrates using aller contre in relation to the laws of nature.Tatoeba #237119 by hortusdei, translation #264459 by CK
- Le gouvernement a décidé d'aller à l'encontre des souhaits de la population.The government decided to go against the wishes of the population.
- Les syndicats s'opposent à la réforme proposée par l'employeur.The unions go against/oppose the reform proposed by the employer.
- Son témoignage contredit les faits énoncés par l'accusation.His testimony goes against/contradicts the facts stated by the prosecution.
- Cela est contraire à mes principes.That goes against my principles.
- Il ne faut pas aller contre le règlement.You must not go against the rules.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing a group project.
- NathanC'est une mauvaise idée, Manon.It's a bad idea, Manon.
- ManonPourquoi veux-tu aller contre mon projet ?Why do you want to go against my project?
- NathanJe pense que c'est trop risqué.I think it's too risky.
- ManonOn peut essayer quand même.We can try anyway.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aller, contre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
