contrarious

/kən'treəriəs/

Thân thiện

The toddler was being contrarious about putting on his shoes.

Definition

1. 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.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. difficult to deal with

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cross-grained