cont
ra
ry
Comparative
more contrary
Superlative
most contrary
1
completely different or opposed in basic qualities or usual behaviors
- Despite their contrary opinions on the project, they managed to find a compromise that satisfied everyone.
- The results of the study were contrary to the initial hypothesis, surprising the researchers.
- Her actions were contrary to what she had promised, leading to confusion and mistrust among her colleagues.
- His calm demeanor was contrary to the chaotic environment of the emergency room.
- His actions were contrary to his previous promises, causing disappointment among his supporters.
2
describing words or propositions that cannot both be true at the same time, but can both be false
- The propositions "All swans are black" and "All swans are white" are contrary statements in logic.
- In the exercise, students were asked to identify which contrary pairs could not both be true.
- "All cats are black" and "All cats are white" form a contrary relationship.
- In this syllogism, the two premises are contrary, so they cannot both hold true simultaneously.
- The textbook illustrated contrary propositions to explain the difference between contraries and contradictories.
3
stubbornly resistant to advice, guidance, or authority
- The contrary child refused to follow instructions.
- She has a contrary streak, always questioning authority.
- His contrary behavior made group work difficult.
- The dog became contrary whenever anyone tried to train it.
- A contrary employee can slow down a team project.
4
situated or moving in the opposite direction
- The ship sailed in a contrary direction to the current.
- Winds blew in a contrary direction, slowing down the flight.
- The cars were moving in contrary lanes.
- The river flows in a contrary direction during the rainy season.
- Traffic was blocked because vehicles went in contrary directions.
Synonyms: