Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Opposed in direction or nature: Moving or facing in an opposite direction; fundamentally different in kind or purpose.
   • Perversely inclined to resist or oppose: Willfully or stubbornly disposed to go against what is expected, requested, or reasonable.
   • Logically incompatible: (In logic) Describing a relationship between two statements where both cannot be true, though both may be false.

2. Noun:

   • The opposite: A fact, opinion, or condition that is completely different or opposed to another.
   • A logical contrary: (In logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be true, but can both be false.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The ship struggled against the contrary winds. (The winds were blowing in the opposite direction to the ship's desired course.)
  • He has a contrary opinion on the matter. (His opinion is opposed to the prevailing one.)
  • The child was being contrary and refused to put on his coat. (The child was being willfully uncooperative.)
  • "Hot" and "cold" are contrary terms. (They represent opposite qualities; something cannot be both simultaneously.)

• Noun:

  • I believe he is innocent; I've seen no evidence to the contrary. (I have seen no evidence proving the opposite.)
  • She claimed to be happy, but her actions suggested the contrary. (Her actions suggested she was unhappy, the opposite of her claim.)

Advanced Usage

• "On the contrary": Used to introduce a statement that strongly contradicts or corrects a previous statement.
  • "You must be tired." "On the contrary, I feel full of energy."
• "Quite the contrary": Used for even stronger emphasis when stating the opposite is true.
  • The plan did not fail; quite the contrary, it was a great success.
• "To the contrary": Indicating evidence or information that opposes something.
  • Unless you hear from me to the contrary, assume the meeting is at noon.

Variants and Related Words

• Contrarily (adverb): In a contrary manner; perversely.
  • He contrarily insisted on leaving just as everyone arrived.
• Contrariness (noun): The quality or state of being contrary.
  • Her contrariness made negotiations difficult.
• Contrarian (noun/adjective): A person who opposes or rejects popular opinion.
  • He is a financial contrarian who invests in unpopular stocks.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Opposite, opposing, adverse, contradictory, perverse, wayward, obstinate.
• Noun: Opposite, reverse, antithesis.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Similar, alike, compliant, agreeable.
• Noun: Same, equivalent.

Related Phrases

• "By contraries": In an opposite way or manner; interpreting something in reverse.
  • He often speaks by contraries, so you must listen carefully.
• "Go contrary to": To act against or in opposition to something.
  • His decision went contrary to the advice of his lawyers.

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