contrary

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Completely different from or opposed to something in nature or purpose.

   His actions are contrary to our code of ethics.

2. 2
   noun

   The exact opposite of something.

   Public opinion to the contrary, the suspect was not guilty.

3. 3
   adj

   Deliberately doing the opposite of what is wanted; difficult to deal with.

   He's a contrary child who refuses to do as he's told.

From Middle English contrarie, compare French contraire, from Old French contraire, from Latin contrārius (“opposite, opposed, contrary”), from contrā (“against”).

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