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Contrary   /kˈɑntrɛri/  /kəntrˈɛri/   Listen
noun
Contrary  n.  (pl. contraries)  
1.
A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities. "No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave."
2.
An opponent; an enemy. (Obs.)
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. "They did it, not for want of instruction to the contrary."



adjective
Contrary  adj.  
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." "We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way."
2.
Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent. "Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds." "The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture."
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.
Synonyms: Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant; inconsistent.



verb
Contrary  v. t.  To contradict or oppose; to thwart. (Obs.) "I was advised not to contrary the king."






Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48








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"Contrary" Quotes from Famous Books



... accurately describe them; but they are not flat, neither have they that sort of hinge on one side, and slight fastening on the other, which plainly show how the shells of peas and beans are to be opened. On the contrary, these are round; but there are two opposite lines along them, where the colour alone would induce any one to suppose the skin to be, as it is, thinner than elsewhere. Having the fruit before us only in a dry state, we can describe it in no other; ...
— The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 12, - Issue 342, November 22, 1828 • Various

... master." The faculty which the youth of genius displays in after-life may exist long ere it is perceived; and it will only make its own what is homogeneous with itself. We may often observe how the mind of this youth stubbornly rejects whatever is contrary to its habits, and alien to its affections. Of a solitary character, for solitariness is the wild nurse of his contemplations, he is fancifully described by one of the race—and ...
— Literary Character of Men of Genius - Drawn from Their Own Feelings and Confessions • Isaac D'Israeli

... contrary, having made use of its original vision to understand the secret of this struggle, it allies itself with the power of malice against love, it will be found to produce the spectacle of a soul of illuminated intellectual insight deliberately ...
— The Complex Vision • John Cowper Powys

... fusilade, and as had been expected, the most frightful panic followed, and everyone thinking that a general massacre of the whites had begun, they scattered in all directions. Instantly the prisoner ran for the crowd, and an Indian can sprint like a deer. Contrary to expectations, every one of the ten guards opened fire on him, and seven of them hit him, but curiously not one of the wounds stopped his progress, and he got away; but the bullets went over and among the whites, one ricocheting through the coat of Major ...
— The History of Minnesota and Tales of the Frontier • Charles E. Flandrau

... Reformation, many popish bishops of this kingdom, knowing they must have been soon ejected, if they would not change their religion, made long leases and fee-farms of great part of their lands, reserving very inconsiderable rents, sometimes only a chiefry; by a power they assumed, directly contrary to many ancient canons, yet consistent enough with the common law. This trade held on for many years after the bishops became Protestants; and some of their names are still remembered with infamy, on account of enriching their families by such sacrilegious alienations. By these means, episcopal ...
— The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, Vol. III.: Swift's Writings on Religion and the Church, Vol. I. • Jonathan Swift


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