The word contrary means

What does the word contrary mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language as well as other dictionaries like American heritage and Collins English Dictionary, the word contrary can be used as a noun. Here, it means some fact or condition that is incompatible or opposite with one another, or some proposition that is so related to another that hough both may be false they cannot both be true. As an adjective, the word contrary means to be at an opposite extreme or in conflict with another thing. The pronunciation of contrary is kənˈtrɛər i. Many things can be described by the adjective contrary, including contrary propositions, a contrary child, contrary direction, contrary logical relation, contrary opinions, contrary propositions, contrary answers, contrary evidence, a contrary conclusion, contrary ideas, a contrary choice, the contrary of a statement, contrary terms, or other contrary things. You may have heard this word in the children’s nursery rhyme “Mary Mary Quite Contrary.”

The word contrary also exists in many other languages. You may notice that many of these words sound and look similar to the word contrary. Cognates like this happen when words are of the same origin. Since the word contrary comes from Latin, it makes sense that it will look similar to its equivalent words in the romance languages, which are also languages of Latin origin. This list of translations for the word contrary is provided by Word Sense.

•  Bulgarian: обратен‎, противоположен‎
•  Irish: contrártha‎
•  Finnish: vastakkainen‎, päinvastainen‎
•  Japanese: 逆‎, 反する‎ (han suru)
•  Maori: tukipoho‎, tūmū‎ (of wind)
•  Italian: contrario‎, opposto‎
•  Romanian: contrar‎ (masc.) (n), opus‎ (masc.) (n)
•  Kannada: ಮಾರು‎
•  Spanish: contrario‎

How can the word contrary be used in a sentence?

The word contrary can be used in many different sentences in the English language. Using words in a sentence is a great way to learn their definition. Try using this word of the day in a sentence today, or making flashcards or quizzes to help you memorize the definition of the word contrary. Below are many examples of contrary. 

His logic was the exact opposite of mine. On the contrary, we severely disagreed on the pair of propositions presented to us.

The old psychologist believed that the male gender had a contrary usual belief to the female on everything. The modern female psychologist felt his point of view was contrary to modern psychology and logic.  

The defendant of the senseless policy had a contrary opinion to the American people, who would be affected as they were in former times if it were to go into effect.

Megan thought she was reading the schedule for the departures of the carriages; on the contrary, she was actually on the correct page for arrivals. Megan missed her carriage.

Contrary to popular belief, the high school jock was very smart. She was accepted to every Ivy League university. 

What are synonyms and antonyms of contrary?

There are many different words that have the same meaning as the word contrary. These are known as synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are useful to know if you want to avoid repeating yourself or if you are looking to expand your vocabulary. This list of synonyms for the word contrary is provided by Thesaurus. 

•  froward
•  wayward
•  refractory
•  diametric
•  paradoxical
•  recalcitrant
•  dissentient
•  insubordinate
•  clashing
•  inimical
•  contrariant
•  antipodal
•  intractable
•  contumacious
•  nonconformist
•  antipathetic
•  stubborn
•  reverse
•  ornery
•  recusant
•  unruly
•  opposite
•  nonconforming
•  antagonistic
•  perverse
•  discordant
•  antipodean
•  restive
•  balky
•  antithetical
•  anti
•  counter
•  rebellious
•  opposed
•  conflicting
•  negative
•  converse
•  headstrong
•  wrongheaded
•  dissident
•  contradictory
•  adverse
•  inconsistent
•  hostile
•  obstinate

There are also many different words that have the opposite meaning as the word contrary. These opposite words are known as antonyms. Antonyms are also very useful to know if you are looking to expand your vocabulary or knowledge of the English language. This list of antonyms for the word contrary is also provided by Thesaurus. 

•  harmonizing
•  similar
•  melodious
•  like
•  tuneful
•  friendly
•  of one mind
•  symphonic
•  corresponding
•  coordinated
•  sympathetic
•  on same wavelength
•  symmetrical
•  agreeable
•  euphonious
•  in chorus
•  in harmony
•  congenial
•  accordant
•  in step
•  symphonious
•  rhythmical
•  adapted
•  in unison
•  in tune
•  mellifluous
•  compatible
•  dulcet
•  mix
•  suitable
•  cordial
•  harmonious
•  in accord
•  simpatico
•  matching
•  sonorous
•  harmonic
•  sweet-sounding
•  consonant
•  peaceful
•  amicable
•  balanced
•  in concert
•  musical
•  concordant
•  melodic
•  congruous
•  silvery

What is the origin of the word contrary?

According to Etymonline, the word contrary has been used since the mid-14th century as the Middle English contrarie. This comes from the Anglo-French contrarie, a successor of the Old French contraire, which comes directly from the Latin contrarius or Latin contrārius, meaning opposite or opposed. This comes from the Latin contra meaning against. This word has been used as a noun since 13c. One can add the suffixes ly, ness, ies and ian to the end of the word contrary to make the related words contrarily (adv.), contraries, contrariness (n.) and contrarian (n.), as well as contravention. This word has Indo-European roots.

Overall, the word contrary (ˈkɒntrərɪ) means to be in a relation of direct opposition to someone or something. This could refer to opposite objects, an opposite direction, an opposite effect, or an opposite opinion, amongst others.This word can be used as an adjective or noun. If someone is contrary to someone else, they might have an opposite point or opposite opinion. They might even be self-contradictory in an unexpected way. Try using the word contrary in a sentence today to incorporate it into your vocabulary!

Sources:

1. Contrary | Meaning, Origin, Translation | Word Sense
2. CONTRARY Synonyms: 60 Synonyms & Antonyms for CONTRARY | Thesaurus  
3. contrary | Origin and meaning of contrary | Online Etymology Dictionary 
4. HARMONIOUS Synonyms: 54 Synonyms & Antonyms for HARMONIOUS | Thesaurus 
5. Contrary | Definition of Contrary | Merriam-Webster

вопреки, против, вразрез, противоположность, противоположный

существительное ↓

прилагательное ↓

Словосочетания

Accept your wakefulness and sleep in its own contrary way is more likely to come. — Примите факт бессонницы, и наступление сна, вопреки этому, станет более вероятным.  
contrary to the contract, in violation of the contract — в нарушение данного контракта  
contrary viewpoints — противоположные, несовместимые точки зрения  
to come to the contrary conclusion — прийти к противоположному выводу  
to go off in contrary directions — разойтись в разные стороны  
contrary weather — неблагоприятная погода  
unless the contrary is proved — если не доказано обратное  
point of contrary flexure — точка перегиба  
contrary to popular opinion / view / belief — вопреки расхожему мнению  
contrary to contract — в нарушение контракта  
contrary news — противоположные сообщения  

Примеры с переводом

Примеры, ожидающие перевода

Возможные однокоренные слова

contrariness  — своеволие, упрямство, своенравие
contrarily  — наоборот, в противоположном направлении, вопреки, против
contrarious  — упрямый, несговорчивый, вредный, пагубный

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Middle English contrarie, compare French contraire, from Old French contraire, from Latin contrārius (“opposite, opposed, contrary”), from contrā (“against”).

Pronunciation[edit]

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒntɹəɹi/, /kənˈtɹɛəɹi/, (haplology) /ˈkɒntɹi/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈkɑntɹɛɹi/
• (some pronunciations) Rhymes: -ɛəɹi

Adjective[edit]

contrary (comparative more contrary, superlative most contrary)

1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.

   contrary winds

   • c. 1604–1605 (date written), William Shakespeare, “All’s VVell, that Ends VVell”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene v]:

     We have lost our labour; they are gone a contrary way.

2. Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.

   • 1847, William Whewell, “Sequel to Copernicus—The Reception and Development of the Copernican Theory”, in History of the Inductive Sciences, from the Earliest to the Present Times. […], volume I, new edition, London: John W[illiam] Parker, […], →OCLC, book V (History of Formal Astronomy after the Stationary Period), section 4 (The Copernican System Opposed on Theological Grounds), page 419:

     Galileo [Galilei]’s zeal for his opinions soon led him again to bring the question under the notice of the Pope, and the result was a declaration of the Inquisition that the doctrine of the earth’s motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred scripture.

3. Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.

   a contrary disposition; a contrary child

Derived terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

Adverb[edit]

contrary (comparative more contrary, superlative most contrary)

1. Contrarily

Noun[edit]

contrary (plural contraries)

1. The opposite.

   • c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]:

     No contraries hold more antipathy
     Than I and such a knave.

2. (logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, though they may both be false.

   • 1725, Isaac Watts, Logick: Or, The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry after Truth, […], 2nd edition, London: […] John Clark and Richard Hett, […], Emanuel Matthews, […], and Richard Ford, […], published 1726, →OCLC:

     If two universals differ in quality, they are contraries; as, every vine is a tree; no vine is a tree. These can never be both true together; but they may be both false.

Synonyms[edit]

• witherward

Derived terms[edit]

[edit]

• (logic): subcontrary
• contrarian

Translations[edit]

Verb[edit]

contrary (third-person singular simple present contraries, present participle contrarying, simple past and past participle contraried)

1. (obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate.

   • 1549 April 29 (Gregorian calendar)​, Hughe Latymer [i.e., Hugh Latimer]; Augustine Bernher, compiler, “[27 Sermons Preached by the Ryght Reuerende Father in God and Constant Matir of Iesus Christe, Maister Hugh Latimer, […].] The Seuenth Sermon of Maister Hugh Latymer, which He Preached before King Edward [VI], the .19. Day of Aprill.”, in Certayn Godly Sermons, Made uppon the Lords Prayer, […], London: […] John Day, […], published 1562, →OCLC, folio 93, recto:

     You that be of the court, & eſpecially ye ſworn chaplains beware of a leſſon that a great man taught me at my firſt coming to the court he told me for a good will, he thoughte it wel. He ſayd vnto me. You muſt beware how ſo euer ye do that ye cõtrary not the king, let him haue his ſaiyngs, folow him, go with him. Mary out vpon this counſel, ſhal I ſay, as he ſayes?

   • 1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 47, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book I, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC:

     The Athenians having left the enemie in their owne land, for to pass into Sicilie, had very ill successe, and were much contraried by fortune […].

2. (obsolete) To impugn.
3. (obsolete) To contradict (someone or something).

   • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, chapter LXXVII, in Le Morte Darthur, book X:

     thus wilfully sir Palomydes dyd bataille with yow
     & as for hym sir I was not gretely aferd but I dred fore laūcelot that knew yow not
     Madame said Palomydes ye maye saye what so ye wyll
     I maye not contrary yow but by my knyghthode I knewe not sir Tristram

     (please add an English translation of this quote)
4. (obsolete) To do the opposite of (someone or something).
5. (obsolete) To act inconsistently or perversely; to act in opposition to.
6. (obsolete) To argue; to debate; to uphold an opposite opinion.
7. (obsolete) To be self-contradictory; to become reversed.

[edit]

• contra
• counter

Translations[edit]

References[edit]

• contrary in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• “contrary”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.
• contrary at OneLook Dictionary Search
• John A. Simpson and Edmund S. C. Weiner, editors (1989), “contrary”, in The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition, Oxford: Clarendon Press, →ISBN.

Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTRARY

Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTRARY

Contrary is defined as something that is opposite. An example of contrary is Christianity and Athiesm. The definition of contrary is someone or something that is opposite to something else or is unfavorable. An example of contrary is two people having very different opinions about something.

Can I start a sentence with contrary?

On the contrary may serve as an opening phrase to a longer explanation, or it may stand on its own as an objection to a previous statement. … The phrase on the contrary has been in use since at least 1400, though its original rendering is in the contrary.

Does contrary mean against?

English Language Learners Definition of contrary

: exactly opposite to something else : entirely different from something else. : against or opposed to something.

What kind of word is contrary?

As a noun, the contrary means the opposite, as in “We will not give up; on the contrary, we will fight with all our power.” The adjective contrary derives from Latin contrarius (“opposite, opposed”) from contra (“against”).

What is contrary behavior?

Contrary behavior means deliberately doing the opposite of what others routinely or conventionally do. It was usually accompanied by inverse speech, in which one says the opposite of what one actually means.

What is a contrary claim?

Contrary is the relationship between two propositions when they cannot both be true (although both may be false). Thus, we can make an immediate inference that if one is true, the other must be false. … For if some men are honest, the proposition ‘no man is honest’ is false.

Is there a comma after on the contrary?

(The term “on the contrary” is a transitional phrase. You cannot merge two sentences into one with a comma. You must either start a new sentence or use a semicolon.

What does Contriety mean?

1 : the quality or state of being contrary. 2 : something contrary. Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About contrariety.

What you say is contrary ___ the fact?

what you say is contrary not the factual position.

How do you use the same manner?

in the same manner in a sentence

1. “It’s important that prosecutors and police treat everyone in the same manner.
2. The President of the Senate is usually chosen in the same manner.
3. In the same manner that Limburger cheese adds presence to a refrigerator.

Do you need comma after please?

Please is an adverb that functions as an interjection in polite requests. It can go at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. … If please comes at the end of a sentence then you should almost always use a comma before it.

Should I use a comma or semicolon before however?

Use a semi-colon (;) before and a comma (,) after however when you are using it to write a compound sentence. If ‘however’ is used to begin a sentence, it must be followed by a comma, and what appears after the comma must be a complete sentence.

Can you put However in the middle of a sentence?

The most common way of using ‘however’ is to mean ‘but’. This usually comes at the beginning of a sentence, and is followed by a comma. … For this use, it’s also correct to put it in the middle of the sentence, with commas either side.

What are contradictions?

A contradiction is a situation or ideas in opposition to one another. Declaring publicly that you are an environmentalist but never remembering to take out the recycling is an example of a contradiction. A “contradiction in terms” is a common phrase used to describe a statement that contains opposing ideas.

What do you mean by Moreover?

: in addition to what has been said : besides Moreover, this brew appears to kill insects faster than either of its ingredients does alone.—

When a child does the opposite of what you want?

What is an oppositional defiant disorder? According to APA, ‘ODD is a behavioural disorder in which children are, as the name suggests, audacious to the degree that it interferes with their daily lives. It as a pattern of angry, vindictive, argumentative, and defiant behaviour lasting at least six months.

Why does my toddler do the opposite of what I ask?

Of course, two year olds are experimenting with power, and with independence, so they want to make their own decisions. That’s why they often DO whatever we ask them not to. Sometimes they are reacting to feeling overly controlled or pushed around.

What makes a child contrary?

Experts refer to extreme cases in which such a response becomes a fixed pattern as “the oppositional child.” Such a child is not learning to think and act in a responsible, self-beneficial way. The emotional need to control the parents really ties the child even more tightly to them.

What is the verb of contrary?

contrary. (obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate. (obsolete) To impugn. (obsolete) To contradict (someone or something).

What does in the same manner mean?

2 If something is happening the same as something else, the two things are happening in a way that is similar or exactly the same. ♦ the same as phrase.

How do you use a similar way?

with something of the same kind.

1. The disease attacks the immune system in a similar way to Aids.
2. A number of his friends had been affected in a similar way .
3. Clearers are also visited in a similar way.
4. In a similar way Paris remarks at the end of the scene: Sweet, above thought I love thee.

How is thus used in a sentence?

Use the adverb thus in place of words like therefore or so when you want to sound proper. Use thus interchangeably with words like consequently, ergo, hence, and just like that. For example, if you want to sound fancy you could say no one showed up for water aerobics, thus the class was cancelled. It had to be thus.

contrary — перевод на русский

/ˈkɒntrəri/

Показать ещё примеры для «наоборот»…

Показать ещё примеры для «обратное»…

Показать ещё примеры для «противоречит»…

Показать ещё примеры для «вопреки распространённому»…

Показать ещё примеры для «противоположное»…

Показать ещё примеры для «нет»…

Показать ещё примеры для «совсем наоборот»…

Показать ещё примеры для «отличие»…

Показать ещё примеры для «противоположность»…

Показать ещё примеры для «скорее наоборот»…