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Adjective: contrary  'kón,treh-ree [N. Amer], 'kón-tru-ree [Brit]
  1. Very opposed in nature, 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. In an opposing direction
    "a contrary wind";
    - adverse
Noun: contrary  'kón,treh-ree [N. Amer], 'kón-tru-ree [Brit]
  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
Adjective: contrary[2]  kun'treh-ree
  1. Resistant to guidance or discipline; tending to do the opposite of what is normal or wanted
    "Mary Mary quite contrary";
    - obstinate, perverse, wayward

Derived forms: contraries

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

Type of: logical relation, oppositeness, opposition

Encyclopedia: Contrary