a. [ OE. contrarie, contraire, F. contraire, fr. L. contrarius, fr. contra. See Contra-. ] 1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds. [ 1913 Webster ] And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me. Lev. xxvi. 21. [ 1913 Webster ] We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent. [ 1913 Webster ] Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions. [ 1913 Webster ] Contrary motion (Mus.), the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending. Syn. -- Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant; inconsistent. [ 1913 Webster ] |