contrary — opposite in nature, direction, or meaning
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: opposite in nature, direction, or meaning
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːntreri/
Example Sentences
- My cat is so contrary - when I want to pet her, she runs away, but when I'm busy, she demands attention!
- Contrary to popular belief, goldfish actually have good memories.
- The weather forecast was completely contrary to what actually happened - they said sunny, we got a thunderstorm!
contrary
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkɑːntreri/]
opposite in nature, direction, or meaning
Their opinions were completely contrary, sparking a heated debate at dinner.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin contrarius, meaning 'opposing' or 'set against'. The root contra (against) combined with the adjectival suffix -arius to denote something positioned in opposition, which evolved into the modern sense of 'contradictory' or 'mutually opposed'.
Breakdown
contra- (against) + -ary (adjective-forming suffix), from Latin contrarius where the root contra means 'opposed to' and -arius is an adjectival ending used to form descriptive terms.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat is so contrary - when I want to pet her, she runs away, but when I'm busy, she demands attention!”
“Contrary to popular belief, goldfish actually have good memories.”
“The weather forecast was completely contrary to what actually happened - they said sunny, we got a thunderstorm!”
“His actions were contrary to his words.”
📚Related Words
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