contrarian

noun con·trar·i·an \kən-ˈtrer-ē-ən, kän-\

: a person who takes an opposite or different position or attitude from other people

Full Definition of CONTRARIAN

: a person who takes a contrary position or attitude; specifically : an investor who buys shares of stock when most others are selling and sells when others are buying

— contrarian adjective

— con·trar·i·an·ism \-ə-ˌniz-əm\ noun

See contrarian defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CONTRARIAN

1657

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer

Rhymes with CONTRARIAN

agrarian, Aquarian, barbarian, Bavarian, Bulgarian, Canarian, Cancerian, cesarean, cnidarian, grammarian, Hungarian, librarian, Maid Marian, ovarian, riparian, rosarian, Rotarian, sectarian, Sumerian, Tartarean, Tartarian, Tocharian, Tractarian, Wagnerian

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: contrariantPrevious Word in the Dictionary: contraremonstrantAll Words Near: contrarian

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up contrarian? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More