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Definitions for: Contrary
[n] two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
[n] exact opposition; "public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty"
[n] a relation of direct opposition; "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"
[adj] in an opposing direction; "adverse currents"; "a contrary wind"
[adj] resistant to guidance or discipline; "Mary Mary quite contrary"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a perverse mood"; "wayward behavior"
[adj] very opposed in nature or character or purpose; "acts contrary to our code of ethics"; "the facts point to a contrary conclusion"
[adj] of words so related that both cannot be true but both may be false; "`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms"
Webster (1913) Definition: Con"tra*ry (? or ?; 48), a. [OE. contrarie,
contraire, F. contraire, fr. L. contrarius, fr. contra. See
Contra-.]
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.
Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And
with contrary blast proclaims most deeds. --Milton.
The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be
contrary to the sacred Scripture. --Whewell.
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.
Syn: Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant;
inconsistent.
Con"tra*ry, n.; pl. Contraries.
1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a
knave. --Shak.
2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition
incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather
show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. --Locke.
4. (Logic) See Contraries.
On the contrary, in opposition; on the other hand. --Swift.
To the contrary, to an opposite purpose or intent; on the
other side. ``They did it, not for want of instruction to
the contrary.'' --Bp. Stillingfleet.
Synonyms: adverse, antonymous, different, disobedient, obstinate, opposite, perverse, reverse, unfavorable, unfavourable, wayward
See Also: logical relation, oppositeness, opposition
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