Contrary /(? [or] ?; 48)/

Con·tra·ry

Contrary

a.
  1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
    And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me.
    — Lev. xxvi. 21.
    We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way.
  2. Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
    Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds.
    The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture.
  3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
  4. Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions. (Logic)

Phrases & Compounds
Contrary motion
the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.

Contrary

n.

pl. Contraries

  1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
    No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave.
  2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.]
  3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1.
  4. See Contraries. (Logic)

Phrases & Compounds
On the contrary
in opposition; on the other hand.
To the contrary
to an opposite purpose or intent; on the other side.

Contrary

v. t.
  1. To contradict or oppose; to thwart. [Obs.]
    I was advised not to contrary the king.