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CONTRARY
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
Classified under:
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas
Hypernyms ("contrary" is a kind of...):
logical relation (a relation between propositions)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Exact opposition
Example:
public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
Classified under:
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas
Hypernyms ("contrary" is a kind of...):
oppositeness; opposition (the relation between opposed entities)
Sense 3
Meaning:
A relation of direct opposition
Example:
we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas
Hypernyms ("contrary" is a kind of...):
oppositeness; opposition (the relation between opposed entities)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
In an opposing direction
Example:
a contrary wind
Synonyms:
adverse; contrary
Classified under:
Similar:
unfavorable; unfavourable ((of winds or weather) tending to hinder or oppose)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Resistant to guidance or discipline
Example:
wayward behavior
Synonyms:
contrary; obstinate; perverse; wayward
Classified under:
Similar:
disobedient (not obeying or complying with commands of those in authority)
Derivation:
contrariness (deliberate and stubborn unruliness and resistance to guidance or discipline)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Very opposed in nature or character or purpose
Example:
the facts point to a contrary conclusion
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
different (unlike in nature or quality or form or degree)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false
Example:
'hot' and 'cold' are contrary terms
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
antonymous (of words: having opposite meanings)
Context examples:
In the face of all experience to the contrary, it had happened.
(Martin Eden, by Jack London)
On the contrary, I can never recollect having seen him in such exuberant spirits.
(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
On the contrary, all the URI knockout mice died from gastrointestinal syndrome.
(New Way Discovered for Protecting against High-Dose Radiation Damage, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
Contrary to popular belief that associates oestrogens with feminisation, prenatal oestrogens have effects on brain growth and also masculinise the brain in many mammals.
(High levels of oestrogen in the womb linked to autism, University of Cambridge)
Here, on the contrary, were nothing but naked rocks, poor pasture, and savage, stone-strewn wastes.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
But, on the contrary, their conversation was very grave, and filled out with many little bows, and opening and shutting of snuff-boxes, and flickings of laced handkerchiefs.
(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
“Trelawney,” said the doctor, “contrary to all my notions, I believed you have managed to get two honest men on board with you—that man and John Silver.”
(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
What would be your surprise, my son, when you expected a happy and glad welcome, to behold, on the contrary, tears and wretchedness?
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
On the contrary: we should take advantage of it, and make food enjoyment –the ‘slow food movement’– a tool for healthy eating, Miccoli points out.
(Obesity and food restrictions proven to be associated with less food enjoyment, University of Granada)
The patient vacated the medical center or ceased medical care contrary to the recommendation of a trained healthcare provider.
(Left Against Medical Advice, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)
