Contrary
/ˈkɒntrəri/
Definitions
2 meaningsOpposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
/ˈkɒntrəri/
Opposite in nature or direction
The contrary opinions of the two sides made a resolution difficult.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking one way, and someone tells you to go the opposite direction. Something that's contrary is like going against what's expected or what's already there.
👶 For kids: When something is contrary, it means it's the opposite of what someone wants or expects.
More Examples
He had a contrary nature, always disagreeing with his parents.
Despite the contrary weather conditions, the hikers continued their journey.
How It's Used
"The evidence presented was contrary to his claims."
"Contrary winds made sailing difficult."
A fact or statement that is the opposite of another.
/ˈkɒntrəri/
An opposite fact, thing, or statement
The judge found the defendant's claims contrary to the evidence.
💡 Simply: Think of a debate: one person says something, and the contrary is the exact opposite point they make.
👶 For kids: A contrary is like the opposite. If someone says up, the contrary is down.
More Examples
He acted in direct contrary to the company's policy.
The contrary to her statement was quickly proven.
How It's Used
"His statement was a direct contrary to her argument."
"She did the contrary of what she was told."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
on the contrary
Used to introduce a statement that contradicts what was said before.
"It's not difficult; on the contrary, it's quite easy."
From Middle English contrarie, from Old French contraire, from Latin contrarius ('opposite, opposed'), from contra ('against').
Used extensively in philosophical and legal contexts since the Middle Ages, denoting opposition and contradiction.
Memory tip
Think 'contra' as 'against' - it's the opposite!