CONTRARY
—adjective. 1 (usually. Foll. By to) opposed in nature or tendency. 2 perverse, self-willed. 3 (of a wind) unfavourable, impeding. 4 opposite in position or direction. —none. (prec. By the) the opposite. —adverb. (foll. By to) in opposition or contrast (contrary to expectations). ? on the contrary expressing denial of what has just been implied or stated. To the contrary to the opposite effect. ? contrariness none. [latin: related to *contra-]