[
US
/ˈkɑntɹɛɹi, kənˈtɹɛɹi/
]
ADJECTIVE
-
in an opposing direction
a contrary wind
adverse currents -
resistant to guidance or discipline
a perverse mood
Mary Mary quite contrary
wayward behavior
an obstinate child with a violent temper -
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
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
`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms
NOUN
-
a relation of direct opposition
we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true - a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
-
exact opposition
public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
How To Use contrary In A Sentence
- Contrary to what has been claimed, the theory is not insulated against attempts to disconfirm it.
- McCoy had fully embraced the idea of belated fatherhood his declarations to the contrary notwithstanding. The Better Man
- Contrary to popular belief , he was not responsible for the tragedy.
- So far is he from admitting the possibility of any dissiliency between the Divine will and absolute right, that he turns the tables on his opponents, and classes among Atheists those of his contemporaries who maintain that God can command what is contrary to the intrinsic right; that He has no inclination to the good of his creatures; that He can justly doom an innocent being to eternal torments; or that whatever God wills is just because He wills it. A Manual of Moral Philosophy
- His eyes were black too, but had nothing of fierce or insolent; on the contrary, a certain melancholy swimmingness, that described hopeless love rather than a natural amorous languish. The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford — Volume 1
- Contrary to his testimony, Pierce was personally involved in the fraud.
- For a long time it was thought to be a harmless substance, but we now have proof/evidence to the contrary.
- Willoughby in outwearying: she asked herself how much she had gained by struggling: -- every effort seemed to expend her spirit's force, and rendered her less able to get the clear vision of her prospects, as though it had sunk her deeper: the contrary of her intention to make each further step confirm her liberty. Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith
- It may have been the biting cold wind that concentrated minds on my questions, but contrary to what opinion surveys are finding, almost nobody owned up to being a don't know or no-show.
- There is also a substantial body of evidence that would support a contrary argument.
