What is contrary?

More definitions of "contrary":

• (adj): Resistant to guidance or discipline.
  Example: "Mary Mary quite contrary"
  Synonyms: obstinate, perverse, wayward

• (adj): In an opposing direction.
  Example: "A contrary wind"
  Synonyms: adverse

• (noun): A relation of direct opposition.
  Synonyms: reverse, opposite

• (adj): Very opposed in nature or character or purpose.
  Example: "Acts contrary to our code of ethics"; "the facts point to a contrary conclusion"

• (noun): Two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false.

• (adj): Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false.
  Example: "'hot' and 'cold' are contrary terms"

Famous quotes containing the word contrary:

“To grant woman an equality with man in the affairs of life is contrary to every tradition, every precedent, every inheritance, every instinct and every teaching. The acceptance of this idea is possible only to those of especially progressive tendencies and a strong sense of justice, and it is yet too soon to expect these from the majority.”
—Susan B. Anthony (1820–1906)

“Extreme positions are not succeeded by moderate ones, but by contrary extreme positions.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)