Contrary  —adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By to) opposed in nature or tendency. 2  perverse, self-willed. 3 (of a wind) unfavourable, impeding. 4 opposite in position or direction. —n. (prec. By the) the opposite. —adv. (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 n. [latin: related to *contra-]