contrarious
/kən'treəriəs/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Difficult to deal with; stubbornly perverse or contrary: Describes a person, attitude, or behavior that is willfully and unreasonably opposed to what is asked or expected, often in an irritating or obstructive manner.
Usage
The word "contrarious" is a formal and somewhat archaic adjective. It is used to characterize someone or something that habitually takes an opposing stance, not based on reason but on a stubborn desire to contradict. It implies a level of willful difficulty.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The contrarious child refused to wear a coat, even in the middle of winter.
- His contrarious nature made him argue against every proposal, regardless of its merits.
- Dealing with such a contrarious individual can be exhausting.
Advanced Usage
- Literary/Archaic Tone: "Contrarious" is rarely used in modern everyday speech. It is more likely found in literary works, historical texts, or used deliberately for a formal or old-fashioned effect.
- The knight was known for his contrarious spirit, always questioning the king's decrees.
Variants and Related Words
- Contrary (adj): Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning; perversely inclined to disagree or oppose.
- She is often contrary, just for the sake of argument.
- Contrariness (n): The quality or state of being contrary.
- His constant contrariness stalled the committee's progress.
Synonyms
- Perverse: Willfully determined to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable.
- Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.
- Recalcitrant: Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
- Wayward: Difficult to control or predict because of willful or perverse behavior.
Antonyms
- Compliant: Inclined to agree with others or obey rules.
- Amenable: Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.
- Acquiescent: Ready to accept something without protest.
Idioms and Phrases
While there are no common idioms using the exact word "contrarious," the concept is central to several idioms: - To be contrary for the sake of it: To oppose something without a good reason. - To cut off one's nose to spite one's face: To act in a contrarious manner that ultimately harms oneself.
Adjective
-
difficult to deal with
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