Definition of Contrary

Con´tra`ry
a.1.Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me.
- Lev. xxvi. 21.
We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way.
- Shak.
2.Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
3.Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
4.(Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.
Contrary motion
(Mus.) the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.
n.1.A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
2.An opponent; an enemy.
3.the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1.
4.(Logic) See Contraries.
On the contrary
in opposition; on the other hand.
To the contrary
to an opposite purpose or intent; on the other side.
- Swift.
v. t.1.To contradict or oppose; to thwart.
I was advised not to contrary the king.
- Bp. Latimer.


Related Words

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