Meaning & Definition of Contrary in English
English⟶
Contrary
/kɑntrɛri/
noun
1. A relation of direct opposition
- "We thought sue was older than bill but just the reverse was true"
synonym:
- reverse,
- contrary,
- opposite
2. Exact opposition
- "Public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty"
synonym:
- contrary
3. A logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
synonym:
- contrary
adjective
1. Very opposed in nature or character or purpose
- "Acts contrary to our code of ethics"
- "The facts point to a contrary conclusion"
synonym:
- contrary
2. Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false
- "`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms"
synonym:
- contrary
3. Resistant to guidance or discipline
- "Mary mary quite contrary"
- "An obstinate child with a violent temper"
- "A perverse mood"
- "Wayward behavior"
synonym:
- contrary,
- obstinate,
- perverse,
- wayward
4. In an opposing direction
- "Adverse currents"
- "A contrary wind"
synonym:
- adverse,
- contrary
Examples of using
I'm far away from thinking anything bad about you; on the contrary, I'm grateful to you for expressing this accusation. The indefinite situation I've been in for two last years was morally unbearable for me.
The lack of evidence to the contrary is itself evidence that your theory is probably right.
They say he is guilty, but I believe the contrary.