Contrary vs. Despite — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Contrary and Despite
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Compare with Definitions
Contrary
Opposed, as in character or purpose
Contrary opinions.
Acts that are contrary to our code of ethics.
Despite
Without being affected by; in spite of
He remains a great leader despite age and infirmity
Contrary
Opposite in direction or position
Our boat took a course contrary to theirs.
Despite
Contemptuous treatment or behaviour; outrage
The despite done by him to the holy relics
Contrary
(Music) Moving in the opposite direction at a fixed interval
Playing scales in contrary motion.
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Despite
Contempt; disdain
The theatre only earns my despite
Contrary
Adverse; unfavorable
A contrary wind.
Despite
In spite of; notwithstanding
Won the game despite overwhelming odds.
Contrary
(also kən-trârē) Given to recalcitrant behavior; willful or perverse.
Despite
Contemptuous defiance or disregard.
Contrary
Something that is opposite or contrary.
Despite
Spite; malice
"He died soon after ... of pure despite and vexation" (Sir Walter Scott).
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).
Despite
In spite of, notwithstanding.
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.
Despite
(obsolete) Disdain, contemptuous feelings, hatred.
Contrary
In an opposite direction or manner; counter
The judge ruled contrary to all precedent in the case.
Despite
(archaic) Action or behaviour displaying such feelings; an outrage, insult.
Contrary
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.
Contrary winds
Despite
Evil feeling; malice, spite, annoyance.
Contrary
Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.
Despite
(obsolete) To vex; to annoy; to offend contemptuously.
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.
A contrary disposition; a contrary child
Despite
Malice; malignity; spite; malicious anger; contemptuous hate.
With all thy despite against the land of Israel.
Contrary
Contrarily
Despite
An act of malice, hatred, or defiance; contemptuous defiance; a deed of contempt.
A despite done against the Most High.
Contrary
The opposite.
Despite
To vex; to annoy; to offend contemptuously.
Contrary
(logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, though they may both be false.
Despite
In spite of; against, or in defiance of; notwithstanding; as, despite his prejudices.
Contrary
(obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate.
Despite
Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike;
He was held in contempt
The despite in which outsiders were held is legendary
Contrary
(obsolete) To impugn.
Despite
Contemptuous disregard;
She wanted neither favor nor despite
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
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