Contrary — Defs

01 a. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.

1.
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
“And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me.” — Lev. xxvi. 21.

“We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way.” — Shak.
2.
Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
“Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds.” — Milton.

“The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture.” — Whewell.
3.
Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
4.
Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.(Logic)

Phrases & compounds

Contrary motion — the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.

02 n. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.

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.]
3.
the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. See: Converse
4.
See Contraries.(Logic) See: Contraries

Phrases & compounds

On the contrary — in opposition; on the other hand.

To the contrary — to an opposite purpose or intent; on the other side.

03 v. t. To contradict or oppose; to thwart.

1.
To contradict or oppose; to thwart.[Obs.]
“I was advised not to contrary the king.” — Bp. Latimer.