How to Pronounce "contrary"
word
/ˈkɑntɹɛɹi/, /kənˈtɹɛɹi/
KON-trair-ee, kuhn-TRAIR-ee
/ˈkɒntɹəɹi/, /kənˈtɹɛɹi/
KON-truh-ree, kuhn-TRAIR-ee
Definition
Something contrary is opposite to something else or goes against what is expected, wanted, or stated. It can describe ideas, evidence, behavior, or situations.
IPA Transcription
American English
/ˈkɑntɹɛɹi/, /kənˈtɹɛɹi/
British English
/ˈkɒntɹəɹi/, /kənˈtɹɛɹi/
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KON-trair-ee, kuhn-TRAIR-ee
UK
KON-truh-ree, kuhn-TRAIR-ee
Listen in Context
His answer was contrary to mine.
The weather was contrary to the forecast.
That idea is contrary to our plan.
Contrary to what people think, he’s actually very shy.