contrariety

American  

[kon-truh-rahy-i-tee] / ˌkɒn trəˈraɪ ɪ ti /

noun

plural

contrarieties

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.

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contrariety British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• noncontrariety noun

Etymology

Origin of contrariety

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

Example Sentences

Having a natural contrariety, or constitutional aversion, to a thing; characterized by antipathy; Ð often followed by to.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah

At any other time, moved by the sheer and wanton contrariety of her disposition, Constance would have declined to profit by this concession—would have delighted to stand by and deftly add fuel to the fire.

From Fordham's Feud by Mitford, Bertram

From this conflict between thought and fact the problem arises; out of this partial contrariety springs the question, "Why?"

From Popular scientific lectures by Mach, Ernst

He laughed also; for despite her contrariety her mirth was most infectious, and put him more at ease with her.

From The Triumph of Jill by Young, F.E. Mills

There is, of course, a great deal of vague statement and often a contrariety of opinion with regard to the other world and how things are carried on there.

From Sidelights on Chinese Life by Macgowan, J. (John)