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/kˈɑntrɛri/ /kəntrˈɛri/ Listen

Contrary

noun

(pl. contraries)

1.

A relation of direct opposition. Synonyms: opposite, reverse.

2.

Exact opposition.

3.

A logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false.

adjective

1.

Very opposed in nature or character or purpose. "The facts point to a contrary conclusion"

2.

Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false.

3.

Resistant to guidance or discipline. Synonyms: obstinate, perverse, wayward. "An obstinate child with a violent temper" , "A perverse mood" , "Wayward behavior"

4.

In an opposing direction. Synonym: adverse. "A contrary wind"

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contrary to fact

on the contrary

to the contrary

WordNet 3.0 © 2010 Princeton University

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"Contrary" Quotes from Famous Books

... the Bayswater Road, where they could get a hansom; and as they drove along towards the City, Mark's hopes began to rise. Perhaps Holroyd was not on board the 'Coromandel'—and then he tried to prepare himself for the contrary. How should he receive Vincent when he came? for of course he would seek him out at once. The desperate idea of throwing himself on his friend's mercy occurred to him; if he could be the first to tell Holroyd the truth, surely he would consent to arrange the matter without any open scandal! He would ...

— The Giant's Robe • F. Anstey

... Tuskegee. These white people afterward frankly told me that they went to this meeting expecting to hear the South roundly abused, but were pleasantly surprised to find that there was no word of abuse in my address. On the contrary, the South was given credit for all the praiseworthy things that it had done. A white lady who was teacher in a college in Tuskegee wrote back to the local paper that she was gratified, as well ...

— Up From Slavery: An Autobiography • Booker T. Washington

... this portion, shearing away that, evolving part from part so that in the end the whole composition became a complete organism. There is none of the logic in his work that we find in the works of the tip-top men, none of the perfect finish; but, on the contrary, a very considerable degree of looseness, if not of actual incoherence, and many marks of the tool and a good deal of the scaffolding. But, in spite of it all, the greatness of many of his movements seems to me indisputable. ...

— Old Scores and New Readings • John F. Runciman

... true, and should be kept in mind, that the time given by the Board to the consideration of the subject in all its practical bearings, including an examination of actual conditions on the Isthmus, was limited to so short a period that it would be contrary to all human experience that this report should represent an infallible or final verdict for or against ...

— The American Type of Isthmian Canal - Speech by Hon. John Fairfield Dryden in the Senate of the - United States, June 14, 1906 • John Fairfield Dryden

... mar his future glory. This was the pecuniary compensation which the emancipated Catholics kneeled to present him. It is far from being intended here to disparage the offering or decry its acceptance. On the contrary, if this were the proper place, both would be vindicated with zealous pride. But the effect of the continued collection, on Mr. O'Connell's conduct and efficiency was baneful in the extreme. And it was among the most prominent circumstances in ...

— The Felon's Track • Michael Doheny

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