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contrary |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Contrary \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 From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Contrary \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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: contrary adj 1: very opposed in nature or character or purpose; "acts contrary to our code of ethics"; "the facts point to a contrary conclusion" 2: of words so related that both cannot be true but both may be false; "`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms" 3: resistant to guidance or discipline; "Mary Mary quite contrary"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a perverse mood"; "wayward behavior" [syn: {obstinate}, {perverse}, {wayward}] 4: in an opposing direction; "adverse currents"; "a contrary wind" [syn: {adverse}] n 1: a relation of direct opposition; "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true" [syn: {reverse}, {opposite}] 2: exact opposition; "public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty" 3: two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
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