The Clue
Like a certain Mary (8 letter answer)
The Answer
CONTRARY
Tags
Notes
The answer CONTRARY is so rare that it appears less than once every 2500 puzzles.
Definition
CONTRARY as a noun:
1. (reverse, contrary, opposite) = a relation of direct opposition; "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"
2. exact opposition; "public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty"
3. a logical relation such that two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
CONTRARY as an adjective:
1. very opposed in nature or character or purpose; "acts contrary to our code of ethics"; "the facts point to a contrary conclusion"
2. of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false; "`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms"
3. (contrary, obstinate, perverse, wayward) = resistant to guidance or discipline; "Mary Mary quite contrary"; "an obstinate child with a violent temper"; "a perverse mood"; "wayward behavior"
4. (adverse, contrary) = in an opposing direction; "adverse currents"; "a contrary wind"