Contrary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• In psychology, people often exhibit 'contrary behavior' as a form of assertion, especially in adolescence.
• The 'contrarian' personality type challenges mainstream ideas, which can lead to innovative thinking.
• Contrary opinions can stimulate critical thinking, prompting deeper discussions and evaluations of other viewpoints.

Literature

• Contrary themes often appear in literature, highlighting characters with opposing beliefs or perspectives.
• Famous literary works like 'Pride and Prejudice' feature characters who represent contrary views which drive the plot.
• Authors use contrary characters or themes to create tension and develop conflict within a story.

Science

• In scientific research, maintaining a contrary hypothesis can strengthen the validity of results by challenging assumptions.
• The concept of contrary forces is present in physics, like action and reaction, illustrating how opposing forces interact.
• Ecosystems often show contrary relationships, such as predator-prey dynamics, which maintain balance in nature.

Pop Culture

• Contrary characters often appear in movies and shows, providing humor or conflict, like rebellious teenagers or witty opposers.
• The 'contrary' persona has been popularized by celebrities who often speak out against trends, leading to a unique fan base.
• Reality television often showcases contrary personalities to create drama and intrigue among viewers.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'contrary' comes from the Latin 'contrarius', meaning 'opposite' or 'against'.
• In Middle English, 'contrary' was used to describe things that were not just opposite but also in opposition.
• The prefix 'contra-' means 'against' in many languages, helping to illustrate differences.

The word 'contrary' originated from the Latin word 'contrarius', meaning opposite. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the idea of being opposite or conflicting with something else. The concept of contrary has been prevalent in various fields such as philosophy, logic, and everyday language, where it is used to describe situations or conditions that are in opposition to each other.

See also: contrarily, contrariness, contrariwise.

This word ranks #1,629, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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