Etymology Map
Back to all words

Contrary

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means opposite in nature

Where does the word "contrary" come from? It comes from Latin contrarius, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
contrarius
Latin · ancient
"opposite"
from 'contra', against
2
Stage 2 of 3
contraire
Old French · medieval
"opposite"
the phrase 'on the contrary' is recorded in English from about 1400
3
Stage 3 of 3
contrary
English · 1300s
"opposite"
'Mary, Mary, quite contrary' is from an 18th-century rhyme
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Contrary’s story begins in Latin: contrarius meant “opposite.” From 'contra', against. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as contraire. The phrase 'on the contrary' is recorded in English from about 1400. It reached English by 1300s as contrary. 'Mary, Mary, quite contrary' is from an 18th-century rhyme. Today, contrary means opposite in nature.