3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
4. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.
Contrary motion (Mus.),
the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other
descending.
Syn. — Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant; inconsistent.
Contrary
(Con"tra*ry), n.; pl. Contraries
1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
No contraries hold more antipathy
Than I and such a knave.
Shak.
2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] Chaucer.
3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather
show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. Locke.
4. (Logic) See Contraries.
On the contrary,
in opposition; on the other hand. Swift. — To the contrary, to an opposite purpose
or intent; on the other side. "They did it, not for want of instruction to the contrary." Bp. Stillingfleet.
Contrary
(Con"tra*ry), v. t. [F. contrarier. See Contrary, a.] To contradict or oppose; to thwart. [Obs.]
I was advised not to contrary the king.
Bp. Latimer.