Word of the Day: Contrary
contrary
con-trar-y / kŏn–trĕr-ē
adjective
1. against, opposed to
Extreme positions are not succeeded by moderate ones, but by contrary extreme positions.
Friedrich Nietzsche, 1844-1900
2. purposefully disagreeable
When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.
Confucius, 551-479 BC
3. unfavorable, bad
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
Peter Marshall, 1902-1949
noun
4. an opposite
Etiquette requires the presumption of good until the contrary is proved.
Emily Post, 1872 – 1960
adverb
5. against, opposed to
…To live contrary to one’s reason is a most intolerable state, and all men of our time are in such a state.
Leo Tolstoy, 1828-1910
