contraponernos

Contraponernos is the pronominal infinitive form of the Spanish verb contraponerse, meaning to oppose oneself to something or to take an opposing stance toward a proposal, idea, or position. It is used to express active personal or collective opposition, often in debates, debates, politics, or discussions where a position is challenged.

Etymology and meaning: contraponerse combines the prefix contra- (against) with ponerse (to put oneself, to adopt a stance). The reflexive pronoun nos indicates that the subject is acting in relation to the other party, group, or idea. The verb can be used with different tenses and persons, but the infinitive form contraponerse becomes contraponernos when the subject is plural (we oppose ourselves) and the infinitive combines with other elements as contraponernos a la propuesta.

Usage and construction: the usual construction is contraponerse a + [noun, idea, proposition], or simply contraponernos (conjugated as nos contrapondremos, nos contrapongamos, etc.) in various tenses. It is common in formal or argumentative registers and often contrasts with oponerse or enfrentarse. In addition to opposing, contraponerse can emphasize a principled or deliberate stance against a policy, plan, or opinion.

Examples:

- Tenemos que contraponernos a esa propuesta.

- El comité se contrapone a las recomendaciones de la junta.

- No se debe contraponerse a la evidencia, pero sí a ciertos argumentos.

Related terms: contraponer (sin pronombre), to juxtapose or place in opposition; oponerse, to oppose; enfrentar. Contraponerse and contraponer share the idea of opposition, but contraponerse emphasizes a stance taken by the subject.