Noun
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a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
-
exact opposition
"public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty"
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a relation of direct opposition
"we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"
Adjective
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in an opposing direction
"adverse currents"
"a contrary wind"
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resistant to guidance or discipline
"Mary Mary quite contrary"
"an obstinate child with a violent temper"
"a perverse mood"
"wayward behavior"
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of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false
"`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms"
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very opposed in nature or character or purpose
"acts contrary to our code of ethics"
"the facts point to a contrary conclusion"