contrary

adjective
UK: /ˈkɒntrəri/
US: /ˈkɑːntreri/

  1. Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.

    1. His view is contrary to mine in many ways.
    2. Contrary to popular belief, exercise is really good for your health, it's so important.

  2. Unfavorable or adverse.

    1. The weather was contrary, so we stayed inside.
    2. Despite the contrary winds, the ship managed to reach its destination on time.

  3. Deliberately behaving in an opposite and stubborn manner.

    1. The contrary child refused to eat his dinner.
    2. Sometimes I think teenagers are difficult and contrary, but it's a phase.

Synonyms

wayward opposite different adverse stubborn unfavorable
contrary noun

  1. The opposite.

    1. The contrary of love is hate.
    2. I thought she'd be happy, but the contrary was true; she seemed rather sad.
contrary adverb

  1. Opposite; in opposition.

    1. She thinks contrary to me.
    2. I believed he was honest; events proved to the contrary, and I was wrong.
contrary preposition

  1. Despite what has just been said.

    1. I'd like to go out; contrary to you.
    2. Contrary to expectations, the event was actually a great success, believe me.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "contrary" in English means: Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning., Unfavorable or adverse., Deliberately behaving in an opposite and stubborn manner..

The phonetic transcription of "contrary" is /ˈkɒntrəri/ in British English and /ˈkɑːntreri/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "contrary": wayward, opposite, different, adverse, stubborn, unfavorable.

Example usage of "contrary": "His view is contrary to mine in many ways.". More examples on the page.