contrary meaning and definition

CONTRARY noun

Definition of contrary (noun)

1. a relation of direct opposition
   • "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"
   • synonyms: opposite, reverse
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

CONTRARY adjective

Definition of contrary (adjective)

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"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a perverse mood"; "wayward behavior"
   • synonyms: obstinate, perverse, wayward
4. in an opposing direction
   • "adverse currents"; "a contrary wind"
   • synonyms: adverse