Dictionary Entry
contrary
Part of SpeechnounPronunciation/ˈkɒntɹəɹi/Word FrequencyCommon (5.31)Curriculum FrequencyLess common (1)The opposite.
In a Sentence
“Writers often choose contrary when discussing complex ideas.”
Published Usage Examples
“'That as to what they had been advised, viz. to enter into any treaty, contrary to the free government right, which they had obtained, and which they still enjoyed, they considered it as _contrary to God, their honor, and their safety_.'”
“But whether it should or not, I am desirous that these words in the introduction to the extracts, vizt., — and as it has a malicious appear - ance to insinuate to the contrary — should be changed for the following, vizt., — hut as U has heen maliciously insinu - ated to the contrary* As the bearer waits I cannot add sa”
This entry also appears in ReadingWillow Year 12 word lists, so students can move between the dictionary and year-level study sets.
Origin
From Latin 'contrarius' meaning 'opposite'.
Common Phrases
Related Words
Poetry examples for “contrary”
Excerpts from the ReadingWillow English Library collection.
Poetry examples are still being gathered for this entry. They will appear here once matching poems are available in the library.
