contrary

²con·trary

adj
\ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē, -ˌtre-rē, 4 often kən-ˈtrer-ē\

Definition of CONTRARY

1

: being so different as to be at opposite extremes : opposite <come to the contrary conclusion> <went off in contrary directions>; also : being opposite to or in conflict with each other <contrary viewpoints>

2

: being not in conformity with what is usual or expected <actions contrary to company policy> <contrary evidence>

3

: unfavorable —used of wind or weather

4

: temperamentally unwilling to accept control or advice

— con·trari·ly \-ˌtrer-ə-lē, -ˈtrer-\ adverb

— con·trari·ness \-ˌtrer-ē-nəs, -ˈtrer-\ noun

Examples of CONTRARY

1. The sisters gave contrary answers: one said “yes” and one said “no.”
2. We had contrary opinions on the issue.
3. Without contrary evidence, the jury will find her guilty.
4. The boat sailed against a contrary wind.
5. Contrary weather impeded the rescue efforts.
6. Kicking Wolf was a very contrary man—he did as he pleased. —Larry McMurtry, Dead Man's Walk, 1995
7. At sunrise 4 January she set sail, and the homeward passage began. Two days later, Columbus sighted Pinta sailing in a contrary direction … —Samuel Eliot Morison, The European Discovery of America, 1974
8. Mistress Mary got up from the log at once. She knew she felt contrary again, and obstinate, and she did not care at all. —Frances Hodgson, The Secret Garden, 1911

Origin of CONTRARY

(see ¹contrary)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONTRARY

Synonyms: antipodal, antipodean, antithetical, contradictory, opposite, diametric (or diametrical), polar

Antonyms: noncontradictory

Related Words: adverse, negative, unfavorable; antagonistic, antipathetic, counter, cross, hostile; converse, inverse, obverse, reverse; alien, disparate, dissimilar, divergent, unalike, unlike

Near Antonyms: alike, analogous, like, similar; equivalent, identical, same; synonymous

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of CONTRARY

contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice <a contrary child>. perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal <a perverse, intractable critic>. restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders <tired soldiers growing restive>. balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action <a balky witness>. wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior <a school for wayward youths>.