contrariety

[ kon-truh-rahy-i-tee ]

noun

, plural con·tra·ri·e·ties

1. the quality or state of being contrary.
2. something contrary or of opposite character; a contrary fact or statement.
3. Logic. the relation between contraries.

contrariety

/ ˌkɒntrəˈraɪətɪ /

noun

1. opposition between one thing and another; disagreement
2. an instance of such opposition; inconsistency; discrepancy
3. logic the relationship between two contraries

Other Words From

• noncon·tra·rie·ty noun plural noncontrarieties

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrariety¹

1350–1400; Middle English contrariete (< Anglo-French ) < Late Latin contrārietās. See contrary, -ity

Example Sentences

Concerning the disease, there was great contrariety of opinion among medical men.

From Project Gutenberg

But it isn't particularly reasonable to talk of the contrariety of fate if they both get hit.

From Project Gutenberg

The same contrariety in his members seemed to exist throughout the whole man.

From Project Gutenberg

And yet the extensive contrariety between the old and the new is admitted.

From Project Gutenberg

With that unerring instinct of contrariety that never seemed to forsake him, Borrow proceeded to learn, not law but Welsh.

From Project Gutenberg