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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"
   - obstinate, perverse, wayward
    
4. In an opposing direction
   "a contrary wind"
   - adverse

1. A relation of direct opposition
   - reverse, 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

Derived forms: contraries

See also: antonymous, contrarily, contrariness, different, disobedient, unfavorable [US], unfavourable [Brit, Cdn]

Type of: logical relation, oppositeness, opposition

Encyclopedia: Contrary