Either of two opposing or contrary things: "Truth is perhaps . . . a dynamic compound of opposites, savage contraries for a moment conjoined” ( A. Bartlett Giamatti).
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
Logic A proposition related to another in such a way that if the latter is true, the former must be false, but if the latter is false, the former is not necessarily true.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
Something that is opposite or contrary.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
A fact or condition with another .
from Free Scrabble Dictionary
One of a pair of opposites.
from Free Scrabble Dictionary
adjective
Adverse; unfavorable: a contrary wind.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
Given to recalcitrant behavior; willful or perverse.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
Music Moving in the opposite direction at a fixed interval: playing scales in contrary motion.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
Opposed, as in character or purpose: contrary opinions; acts that are contrary to our code of ethics.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
Opposite in direction or position: Our boat took a course contrary to theirs. See Synonyms at opposite.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
idiom
By contraries Obsolete In opposition to what is expected.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
To the contrary To the opposite effect from what has been stated or what is expected: Despite what you say to the contary, this contract is fair.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
adverb
In an opposite direction or manner; counter: The judge ruled contrary to all precedent in the case.
from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
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