contrary

I. noun (plural -traries) Etymology: Middle English contrarie, from Anglo-French contraire, contrairie, from Medieval Latin contrarius, from Latin, adjective, opposite, adverse, from contra opposite Date: 13th century 1. a fact or condition incompatible with another ; opposite — usually used with the 2. one of a pair of opposites 3. a. a proposition so related to another that though both may be false they cannot both be true — compare subcontrary b. either of two terms (as good and evil) that cannot both be affirmed of the same subject II. adjective Date: 14th century 1. being so different as to be at opposite extremes ; opposite <

come to the contrary conclusion

> <

went off in contrary directions

>; also being opposite to or in conflict with each other <

contrary viewpoints

> 2. being not in conformity with what is usual or expected <

actions contrary to company policy

> <

contrary evidence

> 3. unfavorable — used of wind or weather 4. temperamentally unwilling to accept control or advice • contrarily adverb • contrariness noun Synonyms: contrary, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. contrary implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice <

a contrary child

>. perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal <

a perverse, intractable critic

>. restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders <

tired soldiers growing restive

>. balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action <

a balky witness

>. wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior <

a school for wayward youths

>. Synonym: see in addition opposite. III. adverb Date: 15th century contrariwise, contrarily