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contrary - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'contrary' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Contrary [ a.]
- Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
- Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
- Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
- Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.
2 . Contrary [ n.]
- A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
- An opponent; an enemy.
- the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1.
- See Contraries.

Meaning of 'contrary' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . contrary [ n]
Meaning (1):
- exact opposition
Example in sentence:
  • public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
Meaning (2):
- a relation of direct opposition
Example in sentence:
  • we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
3 . contrary [ s]
Meaning (3):
- in an opposing direction
Example in sentence:
  • a contrary wind;
  • adverse currents
Meaning (4):
- resistant to guidance or discipline
Example in sentence:
  • a perverse mood;
  • an obstinate child with a violent temper;
  • Mary Mary quite contrary;
  • wayward behavior
Meaning (5):
- very opposed in nature or character or purpose
Example in sentence:
  • acts contrary to our code of ethics;
  • the facts point to a contrary conclusion
Meaning (6):
- of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false
Example in sentence:
  • `hot' and `cold' are contrary terms

Nearby Words:

con con- conacre conarium conation conative conatus concamerate concameration concatenate

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