contrary
3 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTRARY
on the contrary
also quite the contrary
— used to state that the opposite of what was said before is true
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The test will not be easy; on the contrary, it will be very difficult.
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The lecture was not boring. Quite the contrary, it was very informative and interesting.
the contrary
:
an opposite or different fact, event, or situation
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He was sure his sister had made a mistake, but the contrary was true: she was right and he was wrong.
to the contrary
:
stating or proving the opposite of something
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He was no fool, despite talk to the contrary.
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Unless there is evidence to the contrary, we have to believe them.
Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTRARY
1
:
exactly opposite to something else
:
entirely different from something else
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The sisters gave contrary answers: one said “yes” and one said “no.”
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We had contrary opinions/views on the issue.
2
:
against or opposed to something
— often + to
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Without contrary evidence, the jury will find her guilty.
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Going over the speed limit is contrary to traffic laws. [=it is illegal; it is against the law]
3
:
not favorable or helpful
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The boat sailed against a contrary wind.
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Contrary weather impeded the rescue efforts.
4
/kɑnˈtreri/
:
unwilling to obey or behave well
contrary to
:
in a way or manner that is against (something)
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Contrary to orders, he left the campsite.
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Contrary to popular belief [=despite what many people believe], these animals are not really dangerous to humans.
— contrarily
/kənˈtrerəli/ adverb-
The child acted contrarily.
— contrariness
/kənˈtrerinəs/ noun [noncount]-
the child's contrariness
