contrary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a relation of direct opposition
    reverse; opposite.
    • we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
  2. noun exact opposition
    • public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
  3. noun a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
  4. adjective satellite very opposed in nature or character or purpose
    • acts contrary to our code of ethics
    • the facts point to a contrary conclusion
  5. adjective satellite of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false
    • `hot' and `cold' are contrary terms
  6. adjective satellite resistant to guidance or discipline
    wayward; obstinate; perverse.
    • Mary Mary quite contrary
    • an obstinate child with a violent temper
    • a perverse mood
    • wayward behavior
  7. adjective satellite in an opposing direction
    adverse.
    • adverse currents
    • a contrary wind

WordNet

Con"tra*ry adjective
Etymology
OE. contrarie, contraire, F. contraire, fr. L. contrarius, fr. contra. See Contra-.
Definitions
  1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
    And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me. Lev. xxvi. 21.
    We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way. Shak.
  2. Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
    Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds. Milton.
    The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture. Whewell.
  3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
  4. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions. Syn. -- Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant; inconsistent.
Con"tra*ry noun
Wordforms
plural Contraries
Definitions
  1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
    No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave. Shak.
  2. An opponent; an enemy. Obs. Chaucer.
  3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. Locke.
  4. (Logic) See Contraries.

Webster 1913