contrary purpose
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Efforts designed to ameliorate the condition of an individual were sure of answering a contrary purpose.
From Ormond, Volume II (of 3) or, The Secret Witness by Charles Brockden Brown
What could be more intelligible than that the inertia of matter, or pure chance, or some contrary purpose, should mar the expression of any platonic idea exercising its magic influence over the world?
From Character and Opinion in the United States by George Santayana
A sudden impulse seized her to stop and explain the matter to him, but instead she followed quite a contrary purpose and detaching herself from her companions, struck out boldly for herself.
From Calvary Alley by Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice
Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works: we too often consider one another for the very contrary purpose, to provoke to contempt or ill-will.
From The Christian Life Its Course, Its Hindrances, And Its Helps by Thomas Arnold
In the first place, there was within doors, and under his immediate roof, four new comers, nearly each of which was actuated by some contrary purpose or design.
From The Sea-Witch Or, the African Quadroon : a Story of the Slave Coast by Maturin Murray Ballou
