adj., n., & adv.
--adj.
1. (usu. foll. by to) opposed in nature or tendency.
2 colloq. perverse, self-willed.
3 (of a wind) unfavourable, impeding.
4 mutually opposed.
5 opposite in position or direction.
--n. (pl. -ies) (prec. by the) the opposite.
--adv. (foll. by to) in opposition or contrast (contrary to expectations it rained).
Phrases and idioms:
on the contrary intensifying a denial of what has just been implied or stated. to the contrary to the opposite effect (can find no indication to the contrary).
Derivatives:
contrarily (in sense 2 of adj.) adv. contrariness (in sense 2 of adj.) n.
Etymology: ME f. AF contrarie, OF contraire, f. L contrarius f. contra against