ˈæd.və(ɹ)s ˈkɒntɹəɹi ˈkɑntɹɛɹi ˈkɒntɹəɹi ˈkɑntɹɛɹi ˈɒb.stɪ.nət ˈɑb.stə.nət ˈɒpəzɪt ˈɑp(ə)sɪt pɚˈvɝs pəˈvɜːs ɹɪˈvɜːs ɹɪˈvɝs ˈweɪwɚd in an opposing direction adverse currents a contrary wind resistant to guidance or discipline Mary, Mary, quite contrary an obstinate child with a violent temper a perverse mood wayward behavior very opposed in nature or character or purpose acts contrary to our code of ethics the facts point to a contrary conclusion of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ are contrary terms 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 — that he is not guilty a relation of direct opposition we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true