1. Very opposed in nature, character or purpose
   "acts contrary to our code of ethics"; "the facts point to a contrary conclusion"
    
2. Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false
   "‘hot’ and ‘cold’ are contrary terms"
    
3. In an opposing direction
   "a contrary wind";
   - adverse

1. Exact opposition
   "public opinion to the contrary — that he is not guilty"
    
2. A relation of direct opposition
   "Light and darkness are contraries";
   - reverse, opposite
    
3. A logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
   "The statements 'All swans are white' and 'All swans are black' are contraries"

1. Resistant to guidance or discipline; tending to do the opposite of what is normal or wanted
   "Mary, Mary, quite contrary";
   - obstinate, perverse, wayward

Derived forms: contraries

See also: antonymous, different, disobedient, unfavorable [US], unfavourable [Brit, Cdn]

Type of: logical relation, oppositeness, opposition

Encyclopedia: Contrary