WordGarden.iocontrary
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kənˈtrɛəri/adjective
US
- /ˈkɑntrɛri/
Meanings
Adjective
opposite to or inconsistent with something
deliberately disagreeable or stubbornly oppositional
describing propositions that cannot both be true but can both be false
Noun
a statement, fact, or position that says the opposite
Beyond the definition
Imagine a little child determined to do the opposite of what you ask—that's being contrary! It means going against expectations or behaving in a stubborn, even rebellious way. A contrary opinion is one that disagrees with the popular view or the usual view. Sometimes it simply describes something that is directly opposed to another thing, much like how "hot" and "cold" are contrary states. You might even say a windy day is "contrary" to your plans for a peaceful picnic.
The word hints at conflict or opposition. Someone described as a "contrary person" isn't necessarily mean; they may simply have a habit of disagreeing or doing things their own way, even when it doesn't seem to make sense. In stories, it's often used to describe unpredictable, opposing forces—like love, luck, or weather—where things rarely go as planned.
"Contrary" is a versatile word with several related meanings, all revolving around the idea of opposition or defiance. At its core, it describes something that is opposite in nature, direction, or meaning. In logic, contrary statements cannot both be true (though they may both be false), emphasizing a fundamental clash between two points.
However, in everyday language, "contrary" often goes beyond simple opposites. It frequently refers to a person who is obstinately opposed to others—someone stubborn, argumentative, and prone to disagreeing just for the sake of it. To say someone has a "contrary streak" means they are likely to challenge the status quo or resist being told what to do. This usage implies a deliberate, sometimes even playful, choice to go against the grain.
The word also describes things that are unexpected or unfavorable. "Contrary winds," for example, is a classic sailing term for winds blowing in the exact opposite direction of a ship's destination. In conversation, the word is most frequently used in the phrase "on the contrary," which signals that the opposite of what was just mentioned is actually the truth. Similarly, "evidence to the contrary" refers to facts that disprove a specific claim or theory.
Whether you are describing opposing physical forces, a stubborn personality, or circumstances that refuse to cooperate, "contrary" highlights a sense of resistance and the act of going against the norm.
Examples
- 1
Weather
Contrary to the forecast, it stayed sunny all afternoon.
- 2
Company policy
His actions were contrary to company policy.
- 3
Common belief
Contrary to what people think, the exam is not especially hard.
- Phrasecontrary to what people think
different from what many people believe
- 4
Polite reply
"You don't mind if I sit here?" "On the contrary, please do."
- Phraseon the contrary
actually the opposite is true
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Opposite evidence
We assumed the train was canceled, but we saw nothing to the contrary.
- Phraseto the contrary
showing or proving the opposite
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- contrary to
- contrary to expectations
- on the contrary
- evidence to the contrary
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- contrarynounadjective
Forms
- contrariespluralnounadjective