contrapor

Contrapor is a Portuguese verb meaning to place something against something else, to counterbalance, or to juxtapose for analysis. It is transitive and commonly used with the pattern contrapor X a Y to indicate putting X against Y for comparison, opposition, or balance. In rhetoric, science, law, and journalism, contrapor is used to counter or contrast a claim, data, or argument with opposing elements.

Etymology: The term derives from contra-, meaning against, and pôr (to put), reflecting the basic sense of placing one thing against another. The compound expresses an intentional act of setting up opposition or contrast.

Usage notes: Contrapor conveys a deliberate, analytical stance rather than mere aggression. The reflexive form contrapor-se exists and is used to indicate that someone opposes themselves to a proposal or policy, i.e., to present a counterpoint. The verb can appear in academic, legal, and journalistic writing as a way to frame competing perspectives or evidence.

Examples: For example, to contrapor arguments, a writer presents additional data; in a legal brief, a defense may contrapor the prosecution’s theory with new evidence. Related terms include contraposição (counterposition) and contrapartida (counterpart or countermeasure), which are used in rhetoric, logic, and related disciplines.