[ 'kɒntrəri ]
■ adjective
1》 (often ~ to ) opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
2》 (of two or more statements, beliefs, etc.) opposed to one another.
↘ Logic (of two propositions) so related that one or neither but not both must be true. Compare with contradictory .
3》 kən'trɛ:ri perversely inclined to do the opposite of what is expected or desired.
■ noun ( the ~ ) the opposite.
Phrases
on (or quite ) the ~ used to intensify a denial of what has just been implied or stated.
to the ~ with the opposite meaning or implication.
Derivatives
contrarily adverb
contrariness noun
Origin
ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. contrarie , from L. contrarius , from contra 'against'.