Agreeable vs. Contrary — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
Agreeable refers to something pleasant or acceptable, while contrary indicates opposition or inconsistency with something else.
Difference Between Agreeable and Contrary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Agreeable describes qualities or conditions that are pleasing and conducive to comfort, suggesting a state of harmony and acceptance. On the other hand, contrary characterizes attitudes, statements, or conditions that directly oppose or differ starkly from prevailing ideas or expected norms.
Agreeable often implies a readiness to consent or a lack of conflict, which makes interactions smoother and more amiable. Whereas contrary implies resistance or a challenge to a given situation, often leading to conflict or debate.
In communication, agreeable language facilitates agreement and reduces barriers, promoting cooperation among parties. Contrarily, using contrary language can introduce disagreement and disrupt the flow of conversation, highlighting differences rather than commonalities.
Agreeable situations are typically welcomed by most involved parties because they create a sense of ease and mutual satisfaction. On the other hand, contrary situations may be valued for stimulating critical thinking and pushing boundaries, despite possibly causing discomfort or dissent.
Agreeable attitudes are generally associated with positive social outcomes, like friendliness and empathy, enhancing personal and group dynamics. In contrast, contrary attitudes, while sometimes perceived as negative, can also be beneficial by fostering diversity of thought and innovation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pleasing or acceptable
Opposed or different from something else
Communication style
Facilitates agreement, promotes cooperation
Introduces disagreement, highlights differences
Typical emotional response
Comfort, satisfaction
Discomfort, challenge
Social outcomes
Enhances interpersonal relations
May cause conflict but encourages diversity
Role in problem-solving
Aims for harmonious solutions
Stimulates critical thinking, questions status quo
Compare with Definitions
Agreeable
Pleasing in nature.
The weather today is quite agreeable for a picnic.
Contrary
Opposite in nature or character.
His actions were contrary to the rules.
Agreeable
Ready to agree or consent.
She is always agreeable to new ideas.
Contrary
Perversely inclined to disagree or to do the opposite of what is expected.
He is known to be contrary about where to dine out.
Agreeable
Compatible with one's needs.
The terms of the contract are agreeable to both parties.
Contrary
Unfavorable or adverse.
We had contrary winds during our sail.
Agreeable
Conducive to comfort.
They found the seating arrangements agreeable.
Contrary
In opposition to something else.
The decision was contrary to our agreement.
Agreeable
Acceptable or suitable.
The proposal was agreeable to all attendees.
Contrary
Mutually incompatible.
These two accounts of the incident are contrary to each other.
Agreeable
To one's liking; pleasing
Agreeable weather.
Contrary
Opposed, as in character or purpose
Contrary opinions.
Acts that are contrary to our code of ethics.
Agreeable
Suitable; conformable
A practice agreeable to the law.
Contrary
Opposite in direction or position
Our boat took a course contrary to theirs.
Agreeable
Ready to consent or submit
I am agreeable to your plan.
Contrary
(Music) Moving in the opposite direction at a fixed interval
Playing scales in contrary motion.
Agreeable
Able to agree; possible to be agreed.
Contrary
Adverse; unfavorable
A contrary wind.
Agreeable
Pleasant to the senses or the mind.
A man with agreeable manners
Not completely agreeable remarks
She's quite an agreeable person
This fruit has an agreeable taste
Contrary
(also kən-trârē) Given to recalcitrant behavior; willful or perverse.
Agreeable
(dated) Willing; ready to agree or consent.
Contrary
Something that is opposite or contrary.
Agreeable
Agreeing or suitable; followed by with}}.
Contrary
Either of two opposing or contrary things
"Truth is perhaps ... a dynamic compound of opposites, savage contraries for a moment conjoined" (A. Bartlett Giamatti).
Agreeable
(used adverbially) Pursuant, conformant, accordant.
Agreeable to the order of the day, the House took up the report.
Contrary
(Logic) A proposition related to another in such a way that if the latter is true, the former must be false, but if the latter is false, the former is not necessarily true.
Agreeable
Something pleasing; anything that is agreeable.
Contrary
In an opposite direction or manner; counter
The judge ruled contrary to all precedent in the case.
Agreeable
Pleasing, either to the mind or senses; pleasant; grateful; as, agreeable manners or remarks; an agreeable person; fruit agreeable to the taste.
A train of agreeable reveries.
Contrary
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.
Contrary winds
Agreeable
Willing; ready to agree or consent.
These Frenchmen give unto the said captain of Calais a great sum of money, so that he will be but content and agreeable that they may enter into the said town.
Contrary
Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.
Agreeable
Agreeing or suitable; conformable; correspondent; concordant; adapted; - followed by to, rarely by with.
That which is agreeable to the nature of one thing, is many times contrary to the nature of another.
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.
A contrary disposition; a contrary child
Agreeable
In pursuance, conformity, or accordance; - in this sense used adverbially for agreeably; as, agreeable to the order of the day, the House took up the report.
Contrary
Contrarily
Agreeable
Suitable to your needs or similar to your nature;
A congenial atmosphere to work in
Two congenial spirits united...by mutual confidence and reciprocal virtues
Contrary
The opposite.
Agreeable
To your own liking or feelings or nature;
Is the plan agreeable to you?
He's an agreeable fellow
My idea of an agreeable person...is a person who agrees with me
An agreeable manner
Contrary
(logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, though they may both be false.
Agreeable
In keeping;
Salaries agreeable with current trends
Plans conformable with your wishes
Expressed views concordant with his background
Contrary
(obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate.
Agreeable
Prepared to agree or consent;
Agreeable to the plan
Contrary
(obsolete) To impugn.
Contrary
(obsolete) To contradict (someone or something).
Contrary
(obsolete) To do the opposite of (someone or something).
Contrary
(obsolete) To act inconsistently or perversely; to act in opposition to.
Contrary
(obsolete) To argue; to debate; to uphold an opposite opinion.
Contrary
(obsolete) To be self-contradictory; to become reversed.
Contrary
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me.
We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way.
Contrary
Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed,And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds.
The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture.
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
Contrary
Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.
Contrary
A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
No contraries hold more antipathyThan I and such a knave.
Contrary
An opponent; an enemy.
Contrary
See Contraries.
Contrary
To contradict or oppose; to thwart.
I was advised not to contrary the king.
Contrary
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Contrary
Exact opposition;
Public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
Contrary
Two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
Contrary
Very opposed in nature or character or purpose;
Acts contrary to our code of ethics
The facts point to a contrary conclusion
Contrary
Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false;
`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms
Contrary
Resistant to guidance or discipline;
Mary Mary quite contrary
An obstinate child with a violent temper
A perverse mood
Wayward behavior
Contrary
In an opposing direction;
Adverse currents
A contrary wind
Common Curiosities
Are agreeable people always liked more than contrary people?
Generally, agreeable people are liked more because of their pleasant and cooperative nature, but contrary people can be appreciated for their ability to bring new ideas and challenge norms.
Can something be both agreeable and contrary?
It is rare for something to be both agreeable and contrary as these terms typically describe opposite traits; however, someone might agreeably express a contrary opinion.
Is it better to be agreeable or contrary in professional settings?
The preference depends on the situation; agreeableness often helps in building and maintaining team harmony, while contrariness can be valuable for critical thinking and innovation.
How can a contrary opinion be useful?
A contrary opinion can provide a different perspective, challenge conventional thinking, and stimulate debate, which is crucial for thorough analysis.
How does one handle a contrary child?
Handling a contrary child involves understanding their perspective, setting clear boundaries, and sometimes using reverse psychology, but always with patience and empathy.
What does it mean for a person to be agreeable?
Being agreeable means being pleasant, cooperative, and likely to consent or agree with others.
What makes a person inherently agreeable?
An inherently agreeable person typically has a natural disposition towards empathy, kindness, and a desire to cooperate.
How can teachers manage contrary students effectively?
Teachers can manage contrary students by engaging them in dialogue, understanding their reasons for dissent, and providing them with roles that channel their contrarian energy positively.
What are the benefits of having contrary friends?
Contrary friends can enrich one's life by exposing them to different viewpoints, encouraging critical thinking, and preventing conformity.
Can agreeableness affect career advancement?
Yes, agreeableness can positively affect career advancement by fostering good relationships at work, but it may also hinder it if perceived as lack of assertiveness.
How do cultures vary in their appreciation of agreeableness versus contrariness?
Cultural appreciation varies; some cultures highly value harmony and agreeableness, while others appreciate debate and contrariness for fostering intellectual development.
How should one negotiate with a contrary opponent?
Negotiating with a contrary opponent requires patience, clear communication, and sometimes conceding minor points to gain agreement on major ones.
What are the risks of being too agreeable?
Being too agreeable can lead to a lack of assertiveness, where individuals may not advocate sufficiently for their own interests or ideas.
Can a workplace policy be both agreeable and contrary?
A policy might be agreeable to some and contrary to others, reflecting divergent perspectives within a group.
What psychological traits are associated with contrariness?
Psychological traits associated with contrariness include a high need for autonomy, critical thinking, and sometimes, a skeptical outlook on conformity.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
