Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - contrary

 I. noun  (plural -traries)  Etymology: Middle English contrarie, from Anglo-French contraire, contrairie, from Medieval Latin contrarius, from Latin, adjective, opposite, adverse, from contra opposite  Date: 13th century  1. a fact or condition incompatible with another ; opposite — usually used with the  2. one of a pair of opposites  3.  a. a proposition so related to another that though both may be false they cannot both be true — compare sub~  b. either of two terms (as good and evil) that cannot both be affirmed of the same subject  II. adjective  Date: 14th century  1. being so different as to be at opposite extremes ; opposite come to the ~ conclusion went off in ~ directions; also being opposite to or in conflict with each other ~ viewpoints  2. being not in conformity with what is usual or expected actions ~ to company policy ~ evidence  3. unfavorable — used of wind or weather  4. temperamentally unwilling to accept control or advice  • contrarily adverb  • contrariness noun Synonyms:  ~, perverse, restive, balky, wayward mean inclined to resist authority or control. ~ implies a temperamental unwillingness to accept orders or advice a ~ child. perverse may imply wrongheaded, determined, or cranky opposition to what is reasonable or normal a perverse, intractable critic. restive suggests unwillingness or inability to submit to discipline or follow orders tired soldiers growing restive. balky suggests a refusing to proceed in a desired direction or course of action a balky witness. wayward suggests strong-willed capriciousness and irregularity in behavior a school for wayward youths.  Synonym: see in addition opposite.  III. adverb  Date: 15th century contrariwise, contrarily