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Definition of contrary 2 adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

contrary2

adjective
 
/kənˈtreəri/
 
/kənˈtreri/
 (formal, disapproving)
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  1. (usually of children) behaving badly; choosing to do or say the opposite of what is expected
    • She was such a contrary child—it was impossible to please her.
    Topics Personal qualitiesc2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • run
    • seem
    • …
    adverb
    • completely
    • directly
    • entirely
    • …
    preposition
    • to
    phrases
    • contrary to expectations
    • contrary to popular belief
    See full entry
See contrary in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee contrary in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: contrary2

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