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.

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 Ballou, Maturin Murray

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 Brown, Charles Brockden

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 Rice, Alice Caldwell Hegan

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 Arnold, Thomas

The rockets had primarily been placed to check the fall of the projectile upon the moon, and now they were going to employ them for a directly contrary purpose.

From From the Earth to the Moon; and, Round the Moon by Verne, Jules