contrary to (prep. phr.) Copy link Outline 1. contrā (with acc.2. (less freq.)3. praeter (with acc.) • contrary to (prep. phr.): 1. contrā (with acc.: also foll. by conj.): c. to expectation, c. spem, Sall.: Liv.; c. exspectationem, Hirt.: c. to nature, c. naturam, Cic.: c. to what had been appointed, c. atque erat dictum, Caes.: by my fault things have been done c. to what you had arranged with me, factum est mea culpa c. quam tu mecum egeras, Cic. 2. (less freq.): adversus or adversum (with acc.): c. to the laws, a. leges, Cic. 3. praeter (with acc.): many things have fallen out c. to our expectation, multa p. spem evenerunt, Plaut.: Nep.: c. to nature and to destiny, p. naturam p.que fatum, Cic.