ˈkɒntɹəɹi ˈkɑntɹɛɹi ˈɒb.stɪ.nət ˈɑb.stə.nət pɚˈvɝs pəˈvɜːs ˈweɪwɚd resistant to guidance or discipline Mary, Mary, quite contrary an obstinate child with a violent temper a perverse mood wayward behavior