How to pronounce contrary
Say it like KON-trer-ee. Contrary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contrary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KON
- trer
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contrary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- trerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of contrary
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-truh-ree.
Other ways to say contrary
Contrary also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- kun-TRER-ee /kənˈtrɛri/
What does contrary mean?
- very opposed in nature or character or purpose“acts contrary to our code of ethics”“the facts point to a contrary conclusion”
- of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false“`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms”
- resistant to guidance or discipline“Mary Mary quite contrary”“an obstinate child with a violent temper”
- a relation of direct opposition“we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true”
- exact opposition“public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty”
- a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
Where does contrary come from?
From Middle English contrarie, compare French contraire, from Old French contraire, from Latin contrārius (“opposite, opposed, contrary”), from contrā (“against”).
Questions about saying contrary
How do you pronounce contrary?
Say KON-trer-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntrɛri/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntrəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contrary?
Contrary has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KON). Broken into parts: KON · trer · ee.
Is contrary pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒntrəri/ (KON-truh-ree).