WordGarden.iocontrarian
Pronunciation
UK
- /kˌɒntrərˈaɪən/
US
- /ˌkɑnˈtrɛriən/
Meanings
Adjective
opposing the prevailing opinion or usual way of thinking
using an investment approach that goes against market consensus
Noun
a person who tends to oppose popular opinions or accepted views
an investor who trades against prevailing market opinion
Beyond the definition
A contrarian isn't just someone who disagrees with you—they often feel a pull to push back, especially when everyone else seems to agree. Think of a kid building with blocks in a different way, even after being shown the usual way. A contrarian often takes a view opposite to what is generally accepted, sometimes because they truly think the group is missing something, and sometimes because they dislike going along with the crowd.
You’ll often hear the word in politics, culture, and business—anywhere people take sides and most people line up on one side. It can also describe a way of making choices. For example, a contrarian investor might buy stocks when everyone else is selling, believing that the market has gone too far. You might call a friend a contrarian if they always pick the unusual option—not because it is better, but because it shows they don’t follow the crowd.
The word "contrarian" describes someone who tends to oppose popular opinion or established practices. It is more than simple disagreement; it is a habit of challenging the norm, especially when a view has become widely accepted. A contrarian isn't always trying to be right—often they are driven by a desire to question assumptions, test ideas, and explore other ways of seeing a problem.
The roots of "contrarian" lie in the word "contra," meaning against or opposed. While it has historical roots in political discourse, today it is applied more broadly to anyone with an unconventional mindset. A contrarian might deliberately choose a career path that is considered unusual, adopt a lifestyle that deviates from societal expectations, or express opinions that are intentionally provocative. They aren't necessarily rebellious for the sake of causing trouble; they simply have a natural tendency to think independently and question authority.
It is important to note that being a contrarian isn't always negative. In fact, contrarians can play a valuable role in society by challenging groupthink, sparking innovation, and forcing us to re-examine our beliefs. Think of scientists who questioned established theories or artists who broke from traditional styles—they were all, in a sense, contrarians. So, whether it is questioning the status quo, embracing unconventional ideas, or simply preferring to zig when everyone else zags, a contrarian is someone who is comfortable standing apart and pushing back against the usual view.
Examples
- 1
Personality
Maya has always been contrarian, so no one was surprised when she chose the smallest college on her list.
- 2
Policy debate
He took a contrarian view and argued that the new policy would make the problem worse.
- 3
Investing
As a contrarian investor, she looks for companies that other people are avoiding.
- Phrasecontrarian investor
someone who buys or supports things that are unpopular because they think others are wrong
- 4
Group discussion
Even in casual meetings, he has a contrarian streak and pushes back on the group's first idea.
- Phrasea contrarian streak
a repeated tendency to take the opposite side
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Needless disagreement
I can't tell whether she really disagrees or if she's just being contrarian for the sake of it.
- Phrasebeing contrarian for the sake of it
taking the opposite side simply to do so, not for a strong reason
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- devil's advocate
- skeptic
- iconoclast
Contrast
- conformist
- consensus seeker
Used with (collocations)
- contrarian investor
Word family
- contrarianism
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- contrariannoun