Word: contraries (noun, plural of contrary)

Associations

"Contraries" means things that are opposite or very different from each other.

• In arguments, people often take contraries positions to show different views.
• In nature, hot and cold are contraries because they are opposites.
• In logic, contraries are two statements that cannot both be true at the same time. A well-known synonym is "opposites." The difference is that "contraries" often implies a direct opposition in ideas or qualities, while "opposites" can be broader, including physical directions (like left and right) or qualities.

Substitution

You can use:

• opposites — more common and simple.
• polar opposites — for very strong or extreme differences.
• antagonists — when talking about people or forces that oppose each other actively. Changing the word can make the meaning stronger or more casual.

Deconstruction

"Contraries" comes from the Latin word "contrarius," meaning "opposite."

• Prefix: "contra-" means "against" or "opposite."
• Root: "ary" is a common ending to form adjectives or nouns. It shows the idea of things being set against each other.

Inquiry

• Can you think of two contraries in your daily life, like feelings or choices?
• How might understanding contraries help you in solving problems or debates?
• Are there cases where contraries can exist together or change over time?