Contraries

/ˈkɑːntrɛriz/ noun

Definition

Plural of contrary; things that are opposite to each other or contradict one another.

Etymology

From Latin 'contrarius' (opposite), used in logic and philosophy to describe pairs of opposing concepts like 'hot' and 'cold' or 'good' and 'evil.'

Kelly Says

In classical logic, 'contraries' are different from 'contradictories'—two contraries can both be false (like 'extremely hot' and 'extremely cold' when something is lukewarm), but contradictories cannot both be false.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.