meaning - Why is "para" not used consistently?



I've been told that the prefix "para" means "against".



  • Parachute (against falling)

  • Paramilitary (against military)

  • Paraply/umbrella (against raining)


But, other words does not make much sense to me:



  • Paramedic (against medicine?)

  • Paraglider (against gliding?)


Pardon my Ausberger, but why isn't "para" used consistently?




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