contrary
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,588 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 11,434 times across 155,168 chapters — 0.005% of every word in the library.
What it means
adjective
- very opposed in nature or character or purpose acts contrary to our code of ethicsthe facts point to a contrary conclusion
- of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false `hot' and `cold' are contrary terms
- resistant to guidance or discipline also: obstinate, perverse, wayward Mary Mary quite contraryan obstinate child with a violent temper
- in an opposing direction also: adverse adverse currentsa contrary wind
noun
- a relation of direct opposition also: reverse, opposite we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
- exact opposition public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
- a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
contrary in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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Contrary to his habit, Maxence did not offer any denial.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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On the contrary, I will reward you handsomely if you will bind up my foot.
The Yellow Fairy Book: The Grateful Beasts · World Traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian & Persian) · Chapter 1
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Not far from the Mountains there be four fountaines of a most contrary nature betweene themselves.
The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques — Volume 01 · Richard Hakluyt · Chapter 1
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On the contrary, the news I bring gives me reason to expect much from his favor.
An Egyptian Princess — Volume 07 · Georg Ebers · Chapter 1
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A mind scarcely now to be imitated, so contrary to self-preservation, the most powerful law of Nature.
The Life and Most Surprising Adventures · Daniel Defoe · Chapter 1