contrary

con-tra-ry · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.

  2. 2.

    The opposite.

  3. 3.

    Perversely inclined to disagree or do the opposite.

  4. 4.

    (of wind) Blowing in an unfavorable direction.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    on the contrary — used to intensify a denial
  • •
    to the contrary — indicating the opposite
  • •
    contrary to — in opposition to
  • •
    quite the contrary — the exact opposite

Related words

Antonyms: agreeable, consistent, similar
See also: contradictory, opposite, perverse
Synonyms: contradictory, opposing, opposite, perverse

Etymology

From Latin "contrarius" meaning opposite, from "contra" (against).