What is the meaning of contrary?

noun

  • A relation of direct opposition.
    • usage: "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"
  • Exact opposition.
    • usage: "public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty"
  • A logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false.

adjective

  • Very opposed in nature or character or purpose.
    • usage: "acts contrary to our code of ethics"; "the facts point to a contrary conclusion"
  • Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false.
    • usage: "`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms"
  • Resistant to guidance or discipline.
    • usage: "Mary Mary quite contrary"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a perverse mood"; "wayward behavior"
  • In an opposing direction.
    • usage: "adverse currents"; "a contrary wind"
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APAWordNet. (2010). contrary. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/contrary/definitions/1171366
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "contrary" http://smartdefine.org/contrary/definitions/1171366 (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, contrary, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/contrary/definitions/1171366>.
MLAWordNet. "contrary" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/contrary/definitions/1171366>
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