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English Dictionary

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 contrary contrary /kənˈtrɛri/

adjective

  1. () Very opposed in nature, character or purpose  ( contrary )
    very opposed in nature, character or purpose
     Acts contrary to our code of ethics
    acts contrary to our code of ethics
     The facts point to a contrary conclusion
    the facts point to a contrary conclusion
  2. () Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false  ( contrary )
    of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false
     Hot' and cold' are contrary terms
    hot' and cold' are contrary terms
  3. In an opposing direction  ( adverse , contrary )
    in an opposing direction
     Adverse currents
    adverse currents
     A contrary wind
    a contrary wind
  4. Resistant to guidance or discipline  ( contrary , obstinate , perverse , wayward )
    resistant to guidance or discipline
     Mary Mary quite contrary
    Mary Mary quite contrary
     An obstinate child with a violent temper
    an obstinate child with a violent temper
     A perverse mood
    a perverse mood
     Wayward behavior
    wayward behavior

noun

  1. () A relation of direct opposition  ( opposite , reverse , contrary )
    a relation of direct opposition
     We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
    we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
  2. A logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false  ( contrary )
    a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
  3. Exact opposition  ( contrary )
    exact opposition
     Public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
    public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty