Archaic term meaning opposite, contrary, or acting in opposition to something expected or desired.
From 'counter-' plus the adjectival suffix '-ly' (from Old English '-lice'). This Old English formation meaning 'against' has been largely replaced by modern alternatives like 'contrary' or 'opposite'.
You'll find 'counterly' in medieval and Renaissance texts, but it's mostly disappeared from modern English—replaced by words like 'contrary.' Language evolution shows how some perfectly logical word-formations just don't survive!
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