# contrary

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈkɒntɹəɹi/ · frequency rank #5,404

## Definitions
1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.
2. Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.
3. Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.

## Etymology
From Middle English contrarie, compare French contraire, from Old French contraire, from Latin contrārius (“opposite, opposed, contrary”), from contrā (“against”).

## Easily confused with
- **contrast** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/contrary-vs-contrast)
- **contract** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/contract-vs-contrary)

## Common misspellings (13)
`ccontrary`, `cnotrary`, `conntrary`, `conrtary`, `contarry`, `contrarry`, `contraryy`, `contrayr`, `contrrary`, `contrray`, `conttrary`, `cotnrary`, `ocntrary`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/contrary