contrary
[noun]
Synonyms:
- opposite, antithesis, converse, reverse
[adjective]
Synonyms:
- opposed, adverse, clashing, contradictory, counter, discordant, hostile, inconsistent, opposite, paradoxical
- perverse, awkward, cantankerous, difficult, disobliging, intractable, obstinate, stroppy (Brit. slang), unaccommodating

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Antonyms: complaisant
Contrasted words: amenable, biddable, docile, obedient, tractable, amiable, obliging, acquiescent, compliant, forbearing, long-suffering, tolerant
Related Words: headstrong, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, unruly, contumacious, insubordinate, rebellious, dissentient, dissident, nonconforming, nonconformist, recusant, obstinate, stubborn

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. con‧tra‧ry¹ AC /ˈkɒntrəri $ ˈkɑːntreri/ noun

1. on the contrary/quite the contrary used to add to a negative statement, to disagree with a negative statement by someone else, or to answer no to a question:
It wasn’t a good thing; on the contrary it was a huge mistake.
‘I suppose your wife doesn’t understand you.’ ‘On the contrary, she understands me very well.’
‘Are they happy?’ ‘No, no, quite the contrary.’

2. evidence/statements etc to the contrary something showing or saying the opposite:
Unless there is evidence to the contrary, we ought to believe them.
He continued to drink despite advice to the contrary.

3. the contrary formal the opposite of what has been said or suggested

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. contrary² AC adjective

1. contrary ideas, opinions, or actions are completely different and opposed to each other Synonym : opposing:
Two contrary views emerged.
The men shouted contrary orders.
contrary to
The government’s actions are contrary to the public interest.

2. contrary to popular belief/opinion used to say that something is true even though people believe the opposite:
Contrary to popular belief, a desert can be very cold.

3. formal a contrary wind is not blowing in the direction you want to sail

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

III. con‧tra‧ry³ /kənˈtreəri $ ˈkɑːntreri, kənˈtreri/ adjective
someone who is contrary deliberately does different things from other people:
Evans was his usual contrary self.
—contrariness noun [uncountable]

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

contrary
adj.
VERBS be, run, seem These results run contrary to our expectations. It seems contrary to common sense.
ADV. completely, directly, entirely, quite, totally My own experience is completely contrary. The new claim is directly contrary to what was originally stated.
clearly
PREP. to Contrary to what the public was told, weapons were still being exported.
PHRASES contrary to expectations Contrary to expectations, we didn't have any hold-ups on the journey.
contrary to popular belief Contrary to popular belief, the economy is doing well.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

contrary
noun
BAD: It is impossible to tell whether a man is married or NOT. On the contrary, women usually have 'Mrs' or 'Miss' before their name.
GOOD: It is impossible to tell whether a man is married or not. On the other hand, women usually have 'Mrs' or 'Miss' before their name.
BAD: I've never been able to cook. My sister on the contrary can bake wonderful biscuits and cakes.
GOOD: I've never been able to cook. My sister on the other hand can bake wonderful biscuits and cakes.

Usage Note:
Use on the contrary to show that you strongly disagree with a previous statement and believe that the opposite is true: 'Your parents didn't want you to go abroad, did they?' 'On the contrary, they were all for it.'
To introduce a statement that is in sharp contrast with a previous statement, use on the other hand : 'These new XJ100 computers are amazingly fast. On the other hand, they're very expensive.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲

contrary
ˈkɔntrərɪ
See: on the contrary , to the contrary

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲