[con.trary] n, pl -trar.ies (13c) 1: a fact or condition incompatible with another: opposite--usu. used with the
2: one of a pair of opposites 3 a: a proposition so related to another that though both may be false they cannot both be true--compare subcontrary b: either of two terms (as good and evil) that cannot both be affirmed of the same subject -- by contraries obs: in a manner opposite to what is logical or expected -- on the contrary : just the opposite -- to the contrary 1: on the contrary
2: notwithstanding
[2]con.trary adj [ME contrarie, fr. MF contraire, fr. L contrarius, fr. contra opposite] (14c) 1: being so different as to be at opposite extremes: opposite "come to the ~ conclusion" "went off in ~ directions"; also: being opposite to or in conflict with each other "~ viewpoints"
2: being not in conformity with what is usual or expected "actions ~ to company policy" "~ evidence"
3: unfavorable--used of wind or weather
4: temperamentally unwilling to accept control or advice -- con.trari.ly adv -- con.trari.ness n syn contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice "a contrary child". perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal "a perverse, intractable critic". restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders "tired soldiers growing restive". balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action "a balky witness". wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior "a school for wayward youths". syn see in addition opposite [3]contrary adv (15c): contrariwise, contrarily