How to Pronounce Contrary

To pronounce "contrary", say CONTR-ary — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈkɒntɹəɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

contrary

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈkɒntɹəɹi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “contrary”

"contrary" has 2 syllables: contr-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does contrary mean?

noun

  1. The opposite.
  2. One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, , though they may both be false.

verb

  1. To oppose; to frustrate.
  2. To impugn.

adjective

  1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.

    “contrary winds”

  2. Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.

    “What may be "politically correct" could be contrary to the teachings of Jesus.”

Synonyms

witherward

Hear “contrary” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with contrary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinarycontemporarysanctuarysolitaryarbitrarywaryordinarytarryemissarycarryancillaryairy

Related words

antonymousoppositeadversewaywarddifferentperverseobstinateunfavourable

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "contrary"?▾

"Contrary" has 2 syllables: contr · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "contrary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "contrary" is /ˈkɒntɹəɹi/.

What does "contrary" mean?▾

Contrary: The opposite.

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