Contrary motion

Contrary motion
Contrary Con"tra*ry (? or ?; 48), a. [OE. contrarie, contraire, F. contraire, fr. L. contrarius, fr. contra. See {Contra-}.] 1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds. [1913 Webster]

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me. --Lev. xxvi. 21. [1913 Webster]

We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent. [1913 Webster]

Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed, And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]

3. Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child. [1913 Webster]

4. (Logic) Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions. [1913 Webster]

{Contrary motion} (Mus.), the progression of parts in opposite directions, one ascending, the other descending.

Syn: Adverse; repugnant; hostile; inimical; discordant; inconsistent. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Contrary motion — In music theory, contrary motion is the general movement of two melodic lines in opposite directions. That is, when one of the lines moves up, the other line moves down. If the voices always move by the same intervals (in opposite directions)… …   Wikipedia

  • contrary motion — noun : melodic progression of two voices moving in opposite directions * * * Music. melodic motion in which one part rises in pitch while the other descends. * * * contrary motion noun (music) Movement of parts in opposite directions, one up,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • contrary motion — Music. melodic motion in which one part rises in pitch while the other descends. * * * …   Universalium

  • contrary motion — /kɒntrəri ˈmoʊʃən/ (say kontruhree mohshuhn) noun melodic motion in which one part rises in pitch while the other descends, and vice versa …  

  • contrary motion — one part rising in pitch while the other descends (Music) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • Contrary — Con tra*ry (? or ?; 48), a. [OE. contrarie, contraire, F. contraire, fr. L. contrarius, fr. contra. See {Contra }.] 1. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds. [1913 Webster] And if ye walk contrary unto me …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Contrary — may refer to: Contrary motion, in music theory Contrary Magazine, a literary journal founded at the University of Chicago Contrary (social role), in certain Amerindian cultures Contrary (comics), a character from Malibu Comics Ultraverse Little… …   Wikipedia

  • Motion — Mo tion, n. [F., fr. L. motio, fr. movere, motum, to move. See {Move}.] 1. The act, process, or state of changing place or position; movement; the passing of a body from one place or position to another, whether voluntary or involuntary; opposed… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Motion block — Motion Mo tion, n. [F., fr. L. motio, fr. movere, motum, to move. See {Move}.] 1. The act, process, or state of changing place or position; movement; the passing of a body from one place or position to another, whether voluntary or involuntary;… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • contrary — con•trar•y [[t]ˈkɒn trɛr i[/t]] for 5 also [[t]kənˈtrɛər i[/t]] adj. n. pl. trar•ies, adv. 1) opposite in nature or character; diametrically or mutually opposed: contrary to fact; contrary beliefs[/ex] 2) opposite in direction or position:… …   From formal English to slang

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