contrary
cont
ˈkənt
kēnt
ra
rɛə
reē
ry
ri
ri

Definition & Meaning of "contrary"in English

contrary
01

completely different or opposed in basic qualities or usual behaviors 

Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
qualitative
Superlative
contrariest
Comparative
contrarier
gradable
Examples
Despite their contrary opinions on the project, they managed to find a compromise that satisfied everyone. 
02

describing words or propositions that cannot both be true at the same time, but can both be false 

Examples
The propositions "All swans are black" and "All swans are white" are contrary statements in logic. 
03

stubbornly resistant to advice, guidance, or authority 

Examples
The contrary child refused to follow instructions. 
04

situated or moving in the opposite direction 

Examples
The ship sailed in a contrary direction to the current. 
Contrary
01

a relation of direct opposition or disagreement between two things 

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
contraries
Examples
The contrary of optimism is pessimism. 
02

the complete opposite of something 

Examples
Cold is the contrary of hot. 
03

a logical relationship where two propositions are contraries if they cannot both be true, but can both be false 

Examples
"All cats are black" and "All cats are white" are contraries in logic. 
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