contrary

Everyday

1. Contrary means opposite or very different: «contrary opinions». tree →
2. «On the contrary» is used to say the opposite is true: «Bored? On the contrary, I loved it». tree →
3. (said «con-TRAIR-ee») A contrary person deliberately does the opposite of what others want. tree →
4. «Contrary to» means against or different from: «contrary to the rules». tree →

In the lessons

In arguments, debates and stories «on the contrary» marks disagreement. «Contrary to popular belief» introduces a fact that busts a myth in science. In nursery rhymes «Mary, Mary, quite contrary» describes a stubborn girl. Phrases: on the contrary, contrary to, to the contrary, evidence to the contrary.

Examples

• Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind. tree →
• «Are you tired?» «On the contrary, I'm full of energy.» tree →
• Running in the corridor is contrary to the rules. tree →
• Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? tree →
• Unless I hear to the contrary, we'll meet at three. tree →
• The two sisters had contrary views. tree →
• "What are you doing, you contrary thief?" said the master. tree →

Note

Usually stressed «CON-tra-ry»; in the sense «stubborn» often «con-TRAIR-ee». «On the contrary» answers a statement by saying the opposite; it does not mean «on the other hand».

In Jewish tradition

"Walk contrary" means to behave in opposition to God, treating His warnings with stubborn hostility. In Ezekiel it also means opposite or different in a way that shames, as Jerusalem is called contrary to other women.

Interpretation. The tradition reads it as a chance event view, "keri," and treats the passage as a warning that God answers opposition with matching measure. Ezekiel's use is read as a rebuke of Israel's unfaithfulness.

Examples

• And if ye will not for all this hearken unto Me, but walk contrary unto Me; (Torah LEV.26.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• And if in spite of these things ye will not be corrected unto Me, but will walk contrary unto Me; (Torah LEV.26.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• then will I also walk contrary unto you; and I will smite you, even I, seven times for your sins. (Torah LEV.26.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the contrary is in thee from other women, in that thou didst solicit to harlotry, and wast not solicited; and in that thou givest hire, and no hire is given unto thee, thus thou art contrary. (Prophets EZK.16.34, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Usually stressed «CON-tra-ry»; in the sense «stubborn» often «con-TRAIR-ee». «On the contrary» answers a statement by saying the opposite; it does not mean «on the other hand».