from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Contrary \Con"tra*ry\ (? or ?; 48), a. [OE. contrarie,
contraire, F. contraire, fr. L. contrarius, fr. contra. See
{Contra-}.]
1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition;
adverse; as, contrary winds.
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And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not
hearken unto me. --Lev. xxvi.
21.
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We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary
way. --Shak.
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2. Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
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Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed,
And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds.
--Milton.
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The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be
contrary to the sacred Scripture. --Whewell.
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3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a
contrary disposition; a contrary child.
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4. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy
each other; as, contrary propositions.
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{Contrary motion} (Mus.), the progression of parts in
opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.
Syn: Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant;
inconsistent.
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