contrarious

[ kuhn-trair-ee-uhs ]

adjective

1. Chiefly Appalachian. perverse; refractory.
2. Archaic. adverse; unfavorable.

contrarious

/ kənˈtrɛərɪəs /

adjective

1. (of people or animals) perverse or obstinate
2. (of conditions) unfavourable

Derived Forms

• conˈtrariousness, noun
• conˈtrariously, adverb

Other Words From

• con·trari·ous·ly adverb
• con·trari·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrarious¹

1250–1300; Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Latin contrārius contrary; -ous

Example Sentences

And what greater absurditie can there bee, then to say that one cure shall serue for diuers, nay, contrarious sortes of diseases?

From Project Gutenberg

It was the son who sang the ‘Death of Nelson’ under such contrarious circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

It was just bitterly disappointing and contrarious that the one person he wished to see was a Commodore Graham.

From Project Gutenberg

But before he could set to work there came more "contrarious" orders.

From Project Gutenberg

They will be drowned going overland, after the contrarious way of the world.

From Project Gutenberg