contrary
cont
ˈkɑnt
kaant
ra
re
ry
ri
ri
British pronunciation
/ˈkɒnˌtrəri/

Definition & Meaning of "contrary"in English

contrary
01

completely different or opposed in basic qualities or usual behaviors

example
Examples
Despite their contrary opinions on the project, they managed to find a compromise that satisfied everyone.
The results of the study were contrary to the initial hypothesis, surprising the researchers.
02

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

example
Examples
The propositions " All swans are black " and " All swans are white " are contrary statements in logic.
In the exercise, students were asked to identify which contrary pairs could not both be true.
03

stubbornly resistant to advice, guidance, or authority

example
Examples
The contrary child refused to follow instructions.
She has a contrary streak, always questioning authority.
04

situated or moving in the opposite direction

example
Examples
The ship sailed in a contrary direction to the current.
Winds blew in a contrary direction, slowing down the flight.
Contrary
01

a relation of direct opposition or disagreement between two things

example
Examples
The contrary of optimism is pessimism.
His opinion was in direct contrary to mine.
02

the complete opposite of something

example
Examples
Cold is the contrary of hot.
Success is often the contrary of failure.
03

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

example
Examples
" All cats are black " and " All cats are white " are contraries in logic.
In a syllogism, contraries can not both be true simultaneously.
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