No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a
knave. --Shak.
2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition
incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather
show the contrary. See {Converse}, n., 1. --Locke.
4. (Logic) See {Contraries}.
{On the contrary}, in opposition; on the other hand. --Swift.
{To the contrary}, to an opposite purpose or intent; on the
other side. ``They did it, not for want of instruction to
the contrary.'' --Bp. Stillingfleet.
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. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy
each other; as, contrary propositions.
{Contrary motion} (Mus.), the progression of parts in
opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.
Syn: Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant;
inconsistent.