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contrary by Collins

1) adjective, opposed in nature, position, etc
2) adjective, perverse; obstinate
3) adjective, (esp of wind) adverse; unfavourable
4) adjective, (of plant parts) situated at right angles to each other
5) adjective, logic (of a pair of propositions) related so that they cannot both be true at once, although they may both be false together. Compare subcontrary, contradictory
6) noun, the exact opposite (esp in the phrase to the contrary)
7) noun, on the contrary quite the reverse; not at all
8) noun, either of two exactly opposite objects, facts, or qualities
9) noun, logic a statement that cannot be true when a given statement is true
10) adverb, in an opposite or unexpected way
11) adverb, in conflict (with) or contravention (of)

Etymology

C14: from Latin contrārius opposite, from contrā against

Collins English Electronic Dictionary - Digital Edition: 2008 © HarperCollins Publishers 2008

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