Search Result for "contrary": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (3)

1. a relation of direct opposition;
- Example: "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"
[syn: reverse, contrary, opposite]

2. exact opposition;
- Example: "public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty"

3. a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false;


ADJECTIVE (4)

1. very opposed in nature or character or purpose;
- Example: "acts contrary to our code of ethics"
- Example: "the facts point to a contrary conclusion"

2. of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false;
- Example: "`hot' and `cold'; are contrary terms";

3. resistant to guidance or discipline;
- Example: "Mary Mary quite contrary"
- Example: "an obstinate child with a violent temper"
- Example: "a perverse mood"
- Example: "wayward behavior"
[syn: contrary, obstinate, perverse, wayward]

4. in an opposing direction;
- Example: "adverse currents"
- Example: "a contrary wind"
[syn: adverse, contrary]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
      [1913 Webster]

            And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not
            hearken unto me.                      --Lev. xxvi.
                                                  21.
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            We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary
            way.                                  --Shak.
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   2. Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
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            Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed,
            And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds.
                                                  --Milton.
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            The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be
            contrary to the sacred Scripture.     --Whewell.
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   3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a
      contrary disposition; a contrary child.
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   4. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy
      each other; as, contrary propositions.
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   Contrary motion (Mus.), the progression of parts in
      opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.

   Syn: Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant;
        inconsistent.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Contrary \Con"tra*ry\, n.; pl. Contraries.
   1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
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            No contraries hold more antipathy
            Than I and such a knave.              --Shak.
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   2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition
      incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather
      show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. --Locke.
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   4. (Logic) See Contraries.
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   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.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Contrary \Con"tra*ry\, v. t. [F. contrarier. See Contrary, a.]
   To contradict or oppose; to thwart. [Obs.]
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         I was advised not to contrary the king.  --Bp. Latimer.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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 or propositions 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: contrary,
       obstinate, perverse, wayward]
    4: in an opposing direction; "adverse currents"; "a contrary
       wind" [syn: adverse, contrary]
    n 1: a relation of direct opposition; "we thought Sue was older
         than Bill but just the reverse was true" [syn: reverse,
         contrary, opposite]
    2: exact opposition; "public opinion to the contrary he is not
       guilty"
    3: a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries
       if both cannot be true but both can be false