Definition: 1. A relation of direct opposition. 2. Exact opposition. 3. Two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false. 4. Very opposed in nature or character or purpose. 5. Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false.
Use 'contrary' in a sentence:
1. Contrary to general expectation, he announced that all four had given their approval.
2. In the process of teaching and learning a language, cognition and affect are not contrary, but complementary to each other.
3. She was such a contrary child ─ it was impossible to please her.
4. Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that what you look like makes much difference to your life.
5. Clara, on the contrary, enjoyed her companion's society, for she always did funny things.
6. On the contrary, it helps farmers and improves forest soils.
7. Despite repeated assurances to the contrary, Pakistan has not ended its nuclear programme.
8. The contrary view is that prison provides an excellent education—in crime.
9. "People just don't do things like that."—"On the contrary, they do them all the time."
10. The Peer-to-Peer file-sharing system is contrary to the conventional Client/ Server structured file system, but is also a branch of the distributed file system.
11. I don't find him funny at all. Quite the contrary.
12. She was such a contrary child—it was impossible to please her.
13. Contrary to popular belief, older people generally do not want to live with their children.
14. The plane is flying a contrary direction.
15. Mistress Mary felt quite contrary.
16. That company's actions are contrary to the public interest.
17. I'm not a feminist, quite the contrary.
18. He continued to maintain that he did nothing wrong, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
19. It is not an idea around which the Community can unite. On the contrary, I see it as one that will divide us.
20. Contrary to what one would expect, this kind of shop-lifter is rarely poor.
21. On the contrary, when we are honest, we are truly free.
22. On the contrary, I like solving difficult problems because I always take them as exciting challenges.
23. Contrary to one of the many urban myths, he doesn't have his shoes hand-made.
24. 'People just don't do things like that.' — 'On the contrary, they do them all the time.'
25. It's no trouble at all; on the contrary, it will be a great pleasure to help you.
26. This view is contrary to the aims of critical social research for a number of reasons.
27. Contrary to the popular myth, women are not reckless spendthrifts.
28. That does not automatically mean, however, that the money supply has been curbed, and there is considerable evidence to the contrary.
29. Contrary to expectations, interest rates did not rise.
30. Contrary to what you might think, neither man was offended.
31. On the contrary, they turn to pursue enthusiastically a supposedly more modern culture.
32. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the profession of faith should be enough.
33. Contrary to popular belief, he was not responsible for the tragedy.
34. Contrary to popular belief , many cats dislike milk.
35. 'Are there any signs that he may quit soon?' — 'Quite the contrary.'
36. I will expect to see you on Sunday unless I hear anything to the contrary.
37. In the end the contrary was proved true: he was innocent and she was guilty.
38. Despite his protestation to the contrary, he was extremely tired.
39. Unemployment seems to be rising, despite repeated assurances to the contrary.
40. The contrary view is that prison provides an excellent education ─ in crime.
41. Contrary to the more alarmist reports, he is not going to die.
42. Contrary to expectations , interest rates did not rise.
43. It is not an idea around which the community can unite. On the contrary, I see it as one that will divide us.
44. Contrary to popular belief , women cause fewer road accidents than men.
45. Contrary to popular belief, women cause fewer road accidents than men.
46. Contrary to popular belief, the oil companies can't control the price of crude.
47. Contrary to popular myth, women are not worse drivers than men.
48. The government has decided that the publication of the report would be 'contrary to the public interest'.
49. Contrary to popular belief, moderate exercise actually decreases your appetite.
50. Several of those present, including Weinberger, had contrary information.
51. Contrary to popular myth , women are not worse drivers than men.
