contrary

noun

con·trary | \ ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē

, -ˌtre-rē\

plural contraries

Definition of contrary

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a fact or condition incompatible with another : opposite —usually used with the

2 : one of a pair of opposites

3a : a proposition (see proposition entry 1 sense 2a) so related to another that though both may be false they cannot both be true — compare subcontrary

b : either of two terms (such as good and evil) that cannot both be affirmed of the same subject

by contraries

obsolete : in a manner opposite to what is logical or expected

on the contrary

: just the opposite The test will not be easy; on the contrary, it will be extremely difficult.

to the contrary

1 : on the contrary

2 : notwithstanding

contrary

adjective

con·trary | \ ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē

, -ˌtre-rē, sense 4 often kən-ˈtrer-ē

Definition of contrary (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : being so different as to be at opposite extremes : opposite come to the contrary conclusion went off in contrary directions also : being opposite to or in conflict with each other contrary viewpoints

2 : being not in conformity with what is usual or expected actions contrary to company policy contrary evidence

3 : unfavorable —used of wind or weather

4 : temperamentally unwilling to accept control or advice

contrary

adverb

con·trary | \ ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē

, -ˌtre-rē also kən-ˈtrer-ē\

Definition of contrary (Entry 3 of 3)

: contrariwise, contrarily

Other Words from contrary Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about contrary

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Other Words from contrary

Adjective

contrarily \ ˈkän-ˌtrer-ə-lē

, kən-ˈtrer- \ adverb

contrariness \ ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē-nəs

, kən-ˈtrer- \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for contrary

Adjective

contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice. a contrary child perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal. a perverse, intractable critic restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders. tired soldiers growing restive balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action. a balky witness wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior. a school for wayward youths

synonyms see in addition opposite

Examples of contrary in a Sentence

Noun

As kiss-and-tell books go, "Opening Arguments" by Jeffrey Toobin has few, if any, deep and sensuous secrets to reveal—this despite many news stories to the contrary. — Nina Totenberg, New York Times Book Review, March 31, 1991 He was not, despite the mythology he and his press agents so assiduously manufactured, a risk taker. On the contrary, he was more often timid to the point of fecklessness. — Christopher Buckley, New York Times Book Review, 4 Nov. 1990 Other men—a surprising number of them—do not feel anger or blame. On the contrary, they feel a strong blood tie to their fathers, and to them the discipline was a minor thing. — Robert Bly, Iron John, 1990 "Is this the girl who has moved into Villa Villekulla?" asked one of the policemen. "Quite the contrary," said Pippi. "This is a tiny little auntie who lives on the third floor at the other end of the town." — Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking, (1950) 1978 the admonition that we should not return hate with hate, but rather with its contrary—love

Adjective

Kicking Wolf was a very contrary man—he did as he pleased. — Larry McMurtry, Dead Man's Walk, 1995 At sunrise 4 January she set sail, and the homeward passage began. Two days later, Columbus sighted Pinta sailing in a contrary direction … — Samuel Eliot Morison, The European Discovery of America, 1974 Mistress Mary got up from the log at once. She knew she felt contrary again, and obstinate, and she did not care at all. — Frances Hodgson, The Secret Garden, 1911 The sisters gave contrary answers: one said “yes” and one said “no.” We had contrary opinions on the issue. Without contrary evidence, the jury will find her guilty. The boat sailed against a contrary wind. Contrary weather impeded the rescue efforts.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Unless proof to the contrary, PG&E is assumed to be the ignition source if their energized wires are present. — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, "Letter: Environmentalists at root of state’s wildfire problem," 29 Aug. 2019 After advising legislators to the contrary, Oregon’s Department of Justice decided the bill does just that. — oregonlive.com, "Williamson doubles down on death penalty law: Steve Duin," 28 Aug. 2019 To the contrary, courage paints a target on our backs and invites the mob to dig into our past, to mine our every statement for our worst moment. —

contrary

Definition of contrary

Other Words from contrary

Synonyms & Antonyms for contrary

Choose the Right Synonym for contrary

Examples of contrary in a Sentence

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