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Word a Day

contrary

adjective · Level 2 · Intermediate

What does contrary mean?

contrary (adjective): very opposed in nature or character or purpose.

Definition: Princeton WordNet 3.1.

How do you use contrary in a sentence?

Where does contrary come from?

From Middle English contrarie, compare French contraire, from Old French contraire.

Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Test yourself: do you know “contrary”?

Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.

What does “contrary” mean?

not large or big; insignificant; few in number

Not quite: that's what small means.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

Right! That's what “contrary” means.

wealthy: having a lot of money and possessions

Not quite: that's what rich means.

the greatest or most complete or best possible

Not quite: that's what maximum means.

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