contrary

/'kɔntrəri/

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The word "contrary" is an adjective and a noun in English, and it means something that is opposite or in conflict with something else.

Simple Definition

1. As an adjective: "Contrary" describes things that are opposite in nature or direction. For example, if you have two ideas that cannot both be true at the same time, they are contrary to each other.
2. As a noun: It refers to a situation or fact that is opposite to what was expected or believed.

Usage Instructions

• Use "contrary" as an adjective when you want to describe things that are opposite or in conflict.
• Use it as a noun when discussing two opposing ideas or facts.

Examples

• Adjective: "The weather was contrary to what the forecast predicted; instead of sunshine, we had rain."
• Noun: "Despite the contrary, many people still believe that the project will succeed."

Advanced Usage

In a more complex context, "contrary" can be used in logical discussions. For instance, in philosophy or logic, two statements can be described as contrary if they cannot both be true at the same time but can both be false. For example, "It is raining" and "It is not raining" are contrary propositions.

Word Variants

• Contrariness (noun): The quality of being contrary or opposite.
• Contrarily (adverb): In a way that is contrary or opposite.

Different Meanings

1. Adverse or Opposing: "She faced contrary winds while sailing."
2. Obstinate or Difficult: "He has a contrary nature; he often disagrees just for the sake of it."

Synonyms

• Opposite
• Contrary
• Antithetical
• Conflicting

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "To the contrary": This phrase means that something is opposite to what has been said. For example, "Some people think he is guilty; to the contrary, the evidence shows he is innocent."
• "On the contrary": Used to emphasize that a statement is the opposite of what has been said before. For example, "I don’t find her boring; on the contrary, I think she’s very interesting."

Summary

"Contrary" is a versatile word that describes opposition or conflict. It can be used in everyday conversation as well as in more advanced discussions about logic and philosophy.

Academic

Adjective

1. in an opposing direction
   • adverse currents
   • a contrary wind
2. resistant to guidance or discipline
   • Mary Mary quite contrary
   • an obstinate child with a violent temper
   • a perverse mood
   • wayward behavior
3. of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false
   • `hot' and `cold' are contrary terms
4. very opposed in nature or character or purpose
   • acts contrary to our code of ethics
   • the facts point to a contrary conclusion

Noun

1. a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
2. exact opposition
   • public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
3. a relation of direct opposition
   • we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true

Synonyms

• adverse
• obstinate
• perverse
• wayward
• reverse
• opposite