Tools: Learn New Words | Secure Password Generator | Startup Tools | PDF Generator

Contrary (Adjective)

Very opposed in nature or character or purpose; "acts contrary to our code of ethics"; "the facts point to a contrary conclusion".

All adjective clusters.

Her liberal views on politics are contrary to her parents' conservative ones.
The lawyer argued that the witness's statement was contrary to the defendant's account of events.
Their idea of success was contrary to what they had initially imagined when starting their business.
Her art teacher said her unorthodox painting techniques were contrary to everything they were learning in class.
Research results suggested a conclusion contrary to the commonly held assumptions on climate change.

Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false; "`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms".

All adjective clusters.

Resistant to guidance or discipline; "Mary Mary quite contrary"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a perverse mood"; "wayward behavior".

All adjective clusters.

The teacher found it impossible to manage the class because of one contrary student who refused to follow the rules.
As a child, Sarah was extremely contrary and would often deliberately do the opposite of what her parents asked of her.
John's contrary nature made it difficult for him to work in a team, as he always felt the need to challenge the authority of his superiors.
The detective was dealing with a particularly contrary witness who was intent on causing problems and obstructing the investigation.
Despite his parents' best efforts, the boy remained contrary and continued to cause trouble at school, refusing to listen to anyone's advice.

In an opposing direction; "adverse currents"; "a contrary wind".

All adjective clusters.

The strong contrary currents made it difficult to swim to the shore.
The captain adjusted the sails to compensate for the contrary winds that were slowing the ship's progress.
The two boats were traveling in contrary directions, one going upstream and the other downstream.
The surfer paddled against the contrary waves that were crashing against the shore.
The team had to fight against contrary forces to complete the difficult climb to the summit.