English
contrary
Contrary comes from Middle English contrarie.
- Middle Englishc. 1150–1500contrarie
- Englishearliest quotation 1485contrary
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Middle Englishc. 1150–1500contrarie
- Englishearliest quotation 1485contrary
Earliest quotation: 1485, Sir Thomas Malory: “thus wilfully sir Palomydes dyd bataille with yow &…”
Every English word from Middle English contrarie
Today it means
adj Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Middle English contrarie / contrary