Webster's English Dictionary

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contrary

Cross references:
  1. opposite              
 
1. con.trary \'ka:n-.trer-e-\ n 1: a fact or condition incompatible with 
   another : OPPOSITE  2: one of a pair of opposites  3a: a proposition so 
   related to another that though both may be false they  cannot both be true 
   3b: either of two terms (as black and white) that cannot both be affirmed o 
   f the same subject : in a manner opposite to what is logical or expected  : 
   just the opposite : NO  : NOTWITHSTANDING  - by contraries 
2. con.trary \'ka:n-.trer-e-, in sense 4 often k*n-'tre(*)r-e-\ aj [ME 
   contrarie, fr. MF contraire, fr. L contrarius, fr. con]tra opposite 1a: 
   diametrically different  1b: opposite in character : tending to an opposing 
   course  1c: mutually opposed : ANTAGONISTIC  2: opposite in position, 
   direction, or nature  3: UNFAVORABLE - used of wind or weather  4: disposed 
   to contradict or oppose D: CONTRARY implies a temperamental unwillingness 
   to accept dictation or advice; PERVERSE may imply wrongheaded, determined, 
   or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal; RESTIVE suggests 
   unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders; BALKY 
   suggests a refusing to proceed or acquiesce for no evident or explainable 
   reason; FROWARD implies habitual and often defiant disobedience; WAYWARD 
   suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior SYN syn 
   PERVERSE, RESTIVE, BALKY, FROWARD, WAYWAR 
3. con.trary \like 2CONTRARY\ av : CONTRARILY, CONTRARIWISE