WordValecontrarian
someone who deliberately takes the opposite view
In more detail
1. (adjective) holding or expressing views that oppose what most people believe
2. (noun) a person who deliberately expresses views opposite to those held by most people
Examples
- 1. She took a contrarian position and argued that the popular theory was wrong.
- 2. He's known as a contrarian who always questions conventional wisdom.
How to use contrarian
Contrarian describes someone or their viewpoint that deliberately opposes mainstream or consensus thinking, often for intellectual or strategic reasons. It carries a neutral to slightly admiring tone, suggesting independent thought rather than mere disagreement. The term is frequently used in finance and investing to describe those who bet against market trends.
Common phrases
- contrarian view
- contrarian opinion
- contrarian position
- contrarian investor
- take a contrarian stance
Synonyms
iconoclast · dissenter · nonconformist · devil's advocate · rebel
Opposites
conformist · traditionalist
Word family
contrarianism (noun) · contrarily (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse contrarian with simply disagreeing or being argumentative; contrarian specifically implies opposing the prevailing consensus, not just any disagreement.
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