Contrary
['kɒntrərɪ] or ['kɑntrɛri]
Definition
(noun.) a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false.
(noun.) exact opposition; 'public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty'.
(adj.) resistant to guidance or discipline; 'Mary Mary quite contrary'; 'an obstinate child with a violent temper'; 'a perverse mood'; 'wayward behavior' .
(adj.) very opposed in nature or character or purpose; 'acts contrary to our code of ethics'; 'the facts point to a contrary conclusion' .
(adj.) of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false; '`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms' .
Checked by Delores--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
(a.) Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
(a.) Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
(a.) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.
(n.) A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
(n.) An opponent; an enemy.
(n.) the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1.
(n.) See Contraries.
Editor: Upton
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. [1]. Opposite, opposing, adverse, opposed, counter.[2]. Antagonistic, conflicting, contradictory, counteracting, retroactive, repugnant.[3]. Perverse, humorsome, wayward, obstinate, stubborn, headstrong, refractory, unruly.
Editor: Wilma
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Opposed, opposite, repugnant, antagonistic, adverse, incompatible,inconsistent
ANT:Agreeing, consentaneous, compatible, kindred, coincident, consistent
Inputed by Jeanine
Definition
adj. opposite: contradictory—Contra′riant (rare).—n. a thing that is contrary or of opposite qualities.—n.pl. Con′traries things opposite in quality: (logic) propositions which destroy each other.—n. Contrarī′ety opposition: inconsistency.—adv. Con′trarily.—n. Con′trariness.—adj. Contrā′rious showing contrariety: repugnant: opposite.—advs. Contrā′riously contrarily; Con′trariwise on the contrary way or side: on the other hand.
Edited by Karl
Examples
- It is not contrary to justice, that both Ireland and America should contribute towards the discharge of the public debt of Great Britain. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- He may not give pleasure, he may not bring comfort, but, on the contrary, may make those to whose hearts he comes very unhappy. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- On the contrary, said Holmes quietly; I have every reason to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- I felt as if, from the order of the systematic world, I had plunged into chaos, obscure, contrary, unintelligible. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- Not that I complain, sir, of the eye of business being distrustful; quite the contrary. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Hannah, on the contrary, demanded no respect, only flattery. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Whatever is absurd is unintelligible; nor is it possible for the imagination to conceive any thing contrary to a demonstration. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- A most contrary circumstance it is, for I want certain information out of that girl, and she must be brought to reason somehow. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Its agriculture, manufactures, and trade, on the contrary, the annual produce of its land and labour, have evidently been augmented. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- Quite the contrary, my love. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- If it fails on its merits, he doesn't worry or fret about it, but, on the contrary, regards it as a useful fact learned; remains cheerful and tries something else. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- On the contrary,' returned Mr. Gradgrind. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- I have heard nothing to the contrary, answered Julia. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- In summer the contrary. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
- It goes by contraries, like dreaMs.' Gerald pondered for a few moments. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- Sit ye down, and give me your forgiveness for having ever been a worrit to you, Dan'l--what have my contraries ever been to this! Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Those who are to be unhappy, think and speak only of the contraries. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
Typed by Connie