ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Contrary

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈkɒntɹəɹi/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Contrary is an adjective meaning Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.

Meaning

Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.

More Meanings

  1. Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.
  2. Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.
  3. Contrarily
  4. The opposite.
  5. (logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, though they may both be false.
  6. (historical) A type of loaded die.
  7. (obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate.

Example Sentences

contrary winds
I never act contrary to my principles.
a contrary disposition; a contrary child
We have lost our labour; they are gone a contrary way.

Word Forms

Synonyms for contrary

Depending on context, synonyms include contradictory, contrariant, contrarious, counter, cross, disagreeable.

Antonyms for contrary

Common opposites include cooperative, synergistic, unopposed.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include antonymous, opposite, adverse, wayward, different, perverse.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.