VocabDictionary

contrariety

/ˌkɒn.trəˈraɪ.ə.ti/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The state, quality, or condition of being contrary, opposed, or mutually contradictory.

Example Sentences:
  • The striking contrariety between his public declarations and private actions puzzled voters.
  • A profound contrariety of opinions among the committee members stalled the negotiations.
2.noun

An instance of opposition, inconsistency, or contradictory behavior.

Example Sentences:
  • Human nature is full of curious contrarieties that defy neat categorization.
  • Despite several contrarieties in the witness statements, the jury reached a unanimous verdict.
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Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “contrariety”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'contrariete', borrowed from Old French 'contrarieté', which derives from Late Latin 'contrarietās' ('opposition, contrary state'), itself from Latin 'contrārius' ('opposite, opposed'), built on 'contrā' ('against, opposite') with the suffix '-ius'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Break it down into 'contrary' + 'variety' — a variety of contrary or opposing ideas existing together.

Frequently Asked Questions About “contrariety

1. What is the meaning of “contrariety” in English?

In English, contrariety (noun) is defined as: “The state, quality, or condition of being contrary, opposed, or mutually contradictory.”.

2. How do you use “contrariety” in a sentence?

The striking contrariety between his public declarations and private actions puzzled voters.

3. What are English synonyms of “contrariety”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “contrariety”?

From Middle English 'contrariete', borrowed from Old French 'contrarieté', which derives from Late Latin 'contrarietās' ('opposition, contrary state'), itself from Latin 'contrārius' ('opposite, opposed'), built on 'contrā' ('against, opposite') with the suffix '-ius'.