contrary

Definitions

1. 1.We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way. Shak.
2. 2.Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent. Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds. Milton. The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture. Whewell.
3. 3.Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
4. 4.(Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions. Contrary motion (Mus.), the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.
5. 5.A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities. No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave. Shak.
6. 6.An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] Chaucer.
7. 7.the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. Locke.
8. 8.(Logic) See Contraries. 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.
9. 9.To contradict or oppose; to thwart. [Obs.] I was advised not to contrary the king. Bp. Latimer.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "contrary" mean?
• What is another word for "contrary"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is contrary.

• What is we have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way. Shak called?
• What is given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child called?
• What is a thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities. No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave. Shak called?
• What is the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. Locke called?
• What is to contradict or oppose; to thwart. [Obs.] I was advised not to contrary the king. Bp. Latimer called?