contramotious
Describing someone who is intentionally contrary, stubborn, or inclined to act in opposition to others' wishes. It refers to a perverse or difficult temperament that resists cooperation.
Examples
3 of 5My grandfather becomes quite contramotious whenever we suggest a change to his daily routine.
My grandfather becomes quite stubborn and contrary whenever we suggest a change to his daily routine.
The negotiations stalled due to a contramotious board member who refused to agree on the final terms.
The negotiations stalled due to a contrary board member who refused to agree on the final terms.
Stop being so contramotious and just help me pick a movie to watch!
Stop being so difficult and just help me pick a movie to watch!
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Break it down: 'Contra' means against. Think of someone who is always in 'motion' against ('contra') everyone else.
Quick Quiz
The toddler was being _____, refusing to wear his shoes even though it was snowing outside.
Correct!
The correct answer is: contramotious
Examples
My grandfather becomes quite contramotious whenever we suggest a change to his daily routine.
everydayMy grandfather becomes quite stubborn and contrary whenever we suggest a change to his daily routine.
The negotiations stalled due to a contramotious board member who refused to agree on the final terms.
formalThe negotiations stalled due to a contrary board member who refused to agree on the final terms.
Stop being so contramotious and just help me pick a movie to watch!
informalStop being so difficult and just help me pick a movie to watch!
Critics of the era often described the author as a contramotious figure who enjoyed defying literary conventions.
academicCritics of the era often described the author as an obstinate figure who enjoyed defying literary conventions.
The project was delayed by a contramotious client who changed their mind after every milestone.
businessThe project was delayed by a difficult client who changed their mind after every milestone.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in a contramotious fit
during a sudden period of being stubborn
purely contramotious
being difficult for no reason other than to be difficult
contramotious by nature
naturally inclined to be contrary
Often Confused With
Contentious means causing or likely to cause an argument, while contramotious specifically refers to personal stubbornness or being contrary.
Usage Notes
This word is relatively rare and carries a literary or old-fashioned tone. It is most frequently used to describe a person's character or a temporary mood of being difficult.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse this with words related to 'motion' or 'movement' because of the root, but it is strictly about behavioral opposition.
Memory Tip
Break it down: 'Contra' means against. Think of someone who is always in 'motion' against ('contra') everyone else.
Word Origin
A dialectal or archaic English term likely formed by combining 'contra-' (against) with a suffix suggesting disposition, similar to 'bumptious' or 'fractious'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The word is sometimes associated with 19th-century regional British English or Victorian literature used to describe eccentric characters.
Quick Quiz
The toddler was being _____, refusing to wear his shoes even though it was snowing outside.
Correct!
The correct answer is: contramotious
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