contraries

2 definitions found

contraries - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Contraries \Con"tra*ries\ (? or ?; 48), n. pl. [Pl. of
     Contrary, n.] (Logic)
     Propositions which directly and destructively contradict each
     other, but of which the falsehood of one does not establish
     the truth of the other.
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           If two universals differ in quality, they are
           contraries; as, every vine is a tree; no vine is a
           tree. These can never be both true together; but they
           may be both false.                       --I. Watts.
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  Contrary \Con"tra*ry\, n.; pl. Contraries.
     1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
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              No contraries hold more antipathy
              Than I and such a knave.              --Shak.
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     2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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     3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition
        incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather
        show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. --Locke.
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     4. (Logic) See Contraries.
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     On the contrary, in opposition; on the other hand. --Swift.
  
     To the contrary, to an opposite purpose or intent; on the
        other side. "They did it, not for want of instruction to
        the contrary." --Bp. Stillingfleet.
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