Opposite vs. Contrary — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
"Opposite" refers to a position directly across from something else, emphasizing direct opposition, whereas "contrary" implies a more conceptual contradiction or inconsistency.
Difference Between Opposite and Contrary
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Opposite" most commonly describes spatial or positional relationships, indicating something that is directly across from another, such as opposite sides of a street. Whereas "contrary" often refers to ideas, beliefs, or statements that are in conflict with each other, suggesting a contradiction in terms or concepts.
In language, "opposite" can describe things that are diametrically different, like the opposite ends of a spectrum. On the other hand, "contrary" is used to describe things that are not just different but actively deny or contradict each other, such as contrary evidence in an argument.
When it comes to usage in speech, "opposite" is often used in a more literal and straightforward manner. Contrarily, "contrary" can imply a deeper level of disagreement or an argumentative stance, as in taking a contrary position.
"Opposite" is commonly paired with prepositions like "to" or "from," enhancing its meaning of direct opposition or facing. Conversely, "contrary" is frequently used with "to," but it enhances the sense of being against or in opposition to an idea rather than a physical location.
In terms of emotional or qualitative attributes, "opposite" can be used to describe polar differences in characteristics, such as hot and cold. Whereas "contrary" can be used to highlight conflicting or opposing attitudes, such as a contrary personality that often disagrees with others.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Directly facing or positioned across from something
In conflict with, differing from usual expectations
Common Usage
Spatial relationships, direct opposition
Conceptual contradictions, disagreements
Prepositions Used
To, from
To
Example Contexts
Physical locations, direct comparisons
Arguments, philosophical discussions
Emotional Context
Describes polar attributes
Describes conflicting attitudes
Compare with Definitions
Opposite
Located directly across from something else.
The restaurant is on the opposite side of the park.
Contrary
Perversely inclined to disagree or to do the opposite of what is expected.
She often takes a contrary position just for the sake of argument.
Opposite
Inverse or reverse in order or nature.
The opposite of increase is decrease.
Contrary
Being so different as to be at odds with logical expectation.
It seems contrary to common sense.
Opposite
In a position or situation that is reversed from another.
They sat opposite each other.
Contrary
Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
His actions were contrary to the rules.
Opposite
Completely different or contrary.
Their opinions are always opposite.
Contrary
Used to express a denial or contradiction.
Contrary to popular belief, he is not retiring.
Opposite
Being the other of a pair.
The opposite leaf arrangement is common in nature.
Contrary
Resistant to guidance or discipline; obstinate.
The contrary child was difficult to manage.
Opposite
Placed or located directly across from something else or from each other
Opposite sides of a building.
Contrary
Opposed, as in character or purpose
Contrary opinions.
Acts that are contrary to our code of ethics.
Opposite
Facing the other way; moving or tending away from each other
Opposite directions.
Contrary
Opposite in direction or position
Our boat took a course contrary to theirs.
Opposite
Altogether different, as in nature, quality, or significance
The effect of the medication was opposite to that intended.
Contrary
(Music) Moving in the opposite direction at a fixed interval
Playing scales in contrary motion.
Opposite
Sharply contrasting; antithetical
Had opposite views on the subject.
Contrary
Adverse; unfavorable
A contrary wind.
Opposite
Growing in pairs on either side of a stem
Opposite leaves.
Contrary
(also kən-trârē) Given to recalcitrant behavior; willful or perverse.
Opposite
Arranged on the same radius as another part, as stamens and petals.
Contrary
Something that is opposite or contrary.
Opposite
One that is opposite or contrary to another.
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).
Opposite
An opponent or antagonist.
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.
Opposite
An antonym.
Contrary
In an opposite direction or manner; counter
The judge ruled contrary to all precedent in the case.
Opposite
In an opposite position
They sat opposite at the table.
Contrary
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.
Contrary winds
Opposite
Across from or facing
Parked the car opposite the bank.
Contrary
Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.
Opposite
In a complementary dramatic role to
He played opposite her.
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.
A contrary disposition; a contrary child
Opposite
Located directly across from something else, or from each other.
She saw him walking on the opposite side of the road.
Contrary
Contrarily
Opposite
(botany) Of leaves and flowers, positioned directly across from each other on a stem.
Contrary
The opposite.
Opposite
Facing in the other direction.
They were moving in opposite directions.
Contrary
(logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, though they may both be false.
Opposite
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Contrary
(obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate.
Opposite
Something opposite or contrary to something else.
Contrary
(obsolete) To impugn.
Opposite
A person or thing that is entirely different from or the reverse of someone or something else; used to show contrast between two people or two things.
She is the opposite of her ex-boyfriend who abused her both physically and verbally nearly every day for five years. She now works as an advocate and supportive listener for others who have endured abusive relationships.
Contrary
(obsolete) To contradict (someone or something).
Opposite
An opponent.
Contrary
(obsolete) To do the opposite of (someone or something).
Opposite
An antonym.
"Up" is the opposite of "down".
Contrary
(obsolete) To act inconsistently or perversely; to act in opposition to.
Opposite
(mathematics) An additive inverse.
Contrary
(obsolete) To argue; to debate; to uphold an opposite opinion.
Opposite
In an opposite position.
I was on my seat and she stood opposite.
Where's the bus station? -Over there, just opposite.
Contrary
(obsolete) To be self-contradictory; to become reversed.
Opposite
Facing, or across from.
He lives opposite the pub.
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.
Opposite
In a complementary role to.
He played opposite Marilyn Monroe.
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.
Opposite
(television) On another channel at the same time.
The game show Just Men! aired opposite The Young and the Restless on CBS.
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
Opposite
Placed over against; standing or situated over against or in front; facing; - often with to; as, a house opposite to the Exchange; the concert hall and the state theater stood opposite each other on the plaza.
Contrary
Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.
Opposite
Situated on the other end of an imaginary line passing through or near the middle of an intervening space or object; - of one object with respect to another; as, the office is on the opposite side of town; - also used both to describe two objects with respect to each other; as, the stores were on opposite ends of the mall.
Contrary
A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
No contraries hold more antipathyThan I and such a knave.
Opposite
Extremely different; inconsistent; contrary; repugnant; antagonistic.
Novels, by which the reader is misled into another sort of pleasure opposite to that which is designed in an epic poem.
Particles of speech have divers, and sometimes almost opposite, significations.
Contrary
An opponent; an enemy.
Opposite
Set over against each other, but separated by the whole diameter of the stem, as two leaves at the same node.
Contrary
See Contraries.
Opposite
One who opposes; an opponent; an antagonist.
The opposites of this day's strife.
Contrary
To contradict or oppose; to thwart.
I was advised not to contrary the king.
Opposite
That which is opposed or contrary in character or meaning; as, sweetness and its opposite; up is the opposite of down.
The virtuous man meets with more opposites and opponents than any other.
Contrary
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Opposite
Two words that express opposing concepts;
To him the opposite of gay was depressed
Contrary
Exact opposition;
Public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
Opposite
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Contrary
Two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
Opposite
A contestant that you are matched against
Contrary
Very opposed in nature or character or purpose;
Acts contrary to our code of ethics
The facts point to a contrary conclusion
Opposite
Something inverted in sequence or character or effect;
When the direct approach failed he tried the inverse
Contrary
Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false;
`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms
Opposite
Being directly across from each other; facing;
And I on the opposite shore will be, ready to ride and spread the alarm
We lived on opposite sides of the street
At opposite poles
Contrary
Resistant to guidance or discipline;
Mary Mary quite contrary
An obstinate child with a violent temper
A perverse mood
Wayward behavior
Opposite
Of leaves etc; growing in pairs on either side of a stem;
Opposite leaves
Contrary
In an opposing direction;
Adverse currents
A contrary wind
Opposite
Moving or facing away from each other;
Looking in opposite directions
They went in opposite directions
Opposite
Altogether different in nature or quality or significance;
The medicine's effect was opposite to that intended
It is said that opposite characters make a union happiest
Opposite
Characterized by opposite extremes; completely opposed;
In diametric contradiction to his claims
Diametrical (or opposite) points of view
Opposite meanings
Extreme and indefensible polar positions
Opposite
Directly facing each other;
The two photographs lay face-to-face on the table
Lived all their lives in houses face-to-face across the street
They sat opposite at the table
Common Curiosities
Can "opposite" imply a relational dependency like "contrary" often does?
Yes, "opposite" can imply a relational dependency, especially in terms of spatial or conceptual relationships, where one position or state is inherently related to its counterpart.
What scenarios typically use the term "opposite"?
The term "opposite" is typically used when referring to positions, locations, or very clear-cut distinctions in qualities, such as "opposite ends of a room" or "opposite sides of an argument."
Is "contrary" typically associated with behavior?
Yes, "contrary" can often describe behavior, particularly when referring to someone who habitually opposes ideas or acts in a way that is counter to the norm.
Which term is more likely to be used in scientific contexts?
"Opposite" is more likely to be used in scientific contexts, especially when describing forces, directions, or positions, like opposite charges or opposite reactions.
What are some synonyms for "opposite"?
Synonyms for "opposite" include "antithetical," "contrary," "inverse," and "reverse."
How do "opposite" and "contrary" function grammatically in sentences?
"Opposite" can function as an adjective or a preposition, while "contrary" usually functions as an adjective or a noun, depending on its usage.
Can "contrary" be used in legal documents?
Yes, "contrary" is often used in legal documents to express opposition or contradiction to established facts or laws, such as "contrary to the provisions of the law."
How do the emotional connotations of "opposite" and "contrary" differ?
"Opposite" generally carries less emotional weight and is more neutral, focusing on physical or logical oppositeness. "Contrary" carries a stronger emotional charge, often implying resistance or antagonism.
How do children learn the concept of "opposite"?
Children typically learn the concept of "opposite" through direct comparisons that involve clear and observable attributes, such as hot/cold, up/down, or left/right.
What are some synonyms for "contrary"?
Synonyms for "contrary" include "opposing," "opposite," "adverse," and "antagonistic."
In what contexts is "contrary" most effectively used?
"Contrary" is effectively used in contexts involving disagreement, contradiction, or when expressing ideas that defy common expectations, like in legal or philosophical discussions.
How does the use of "opposite" in mathematics compare to general use?
In mathematics, "opposite" often refers to inverse operations or values, like opposite numbers, which are equally distant from zero on the number line but in opposite directions, maintaining its theme of direct opposition even in technical contexts.
What role does "contrary" play in argumentative writing or debates?
In argumentative writing or debates, "contrary" is used to introduce counterpoints or to highlight contradictions in the opposing arguments, strengthening the speaker’s or writer’s position.
Can "opposite" denote anything other than physical or spatial relations?
Yes, "opposite" can also denote conceptual or qualitative differences, such as opposite opinions or opposite ends of a spectrum in abstract terms.
Is it common to use "contrary" in everyday conversation?
While "contrary" can appear in everyday conversation, it is less common than "opposite" and is usually reserved for more formal or emphatic contradictions.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Go vs. Went
Next Comparison
Capricious vs. CruelAuthor Spotlight
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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
