contrariety
|con-tra-ri-e-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌkɑntrəˈraɪəti/
🇬🇧
/ˌkɒntrəˈraɪəti/
state of opposition
Etymology
'contrariety' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'contrarius', where the prefix 'contra-' meant 'against' and '-arius' was an adjectival/formative suffix.
'contrariety' changed from Old French/Middle English forms such as 'contrarieté'/'contrarieté' and eventually became the modern English noun 'contrariety'.
Initially, it meant 'the state of being opposite or opposed', and over time this core meaning has been retained, with occasional extension to denote a perverse or opposing disposition.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being opposite, contradictory, or in direct opposition; a contrast or contradiction between two things.
The contrariety between his words and actions made people distrust him.
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Noun 2
a perverse or contrary attitude or disposition; stubborn opposition to what is expected or customary.
Her contrariety led her to reject the obvious solution simply because others supported it.
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Last updated: 2025/11/28 19:18