contrary
gb/kˈɑntɹɛɹi/ us/kˈɑntɹɛɹi/
B2
English
~ 6900
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
opposite in nature, fact, or result
Very different from something, or saying the opposite of it.
Usage pattern:
[something] is contrary to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"in contrary"* or *"at the contrary"* when they mean *"on the contrary"* (to introduce an opposite statement) or *"by contrast"*. Use *"contrary to"* before a noun phrase (e.g., *"contrary to the rules"*) and *"on the contrary"* before a full opposite statement.
Synonyms
opposite (The most general word; can be used in most of the same places but is often more basic and less formal.)
|
conflicting (Suggests active disagreement or incompatibility, especially between ideas or pieces of evidence.)
Antonyms
consistent (Describes things that fit together or agree rather than being opposed.)
Collocations
contrary to popular belief
|contrary to expectations
|contrary evidence
|contrary opinion
|contrary results
Themes
communication
|thinking
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- These findings are contrary to earlier research on the subject.
- His actions were directly contrary to the company’s rules.
- The court decided that the contract was not contrary to the law.
- Contrary views were encouraged during the discussion.
- Several studies have reached contrary conclusions about the drug’s safety.
Learner examples
- The results were contrary to our plan.
- Her report is contrary to what he said.
- This idea is contrary to my values.
- Their answer is contrary to the facts.
- The new data is contrary to the old theory.
Noun
B2
entity
2
the opposite fact or idea
The opposite thing, fact, or idea, often said in phrases like "on the contrary" or "the contrary is true".
Usage pattern:
on the contrary, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse *"on the contrary"* with *"on the other hand"*. Use *"on the contrary"* only to say that the opposite of what was just said is true, not just to show a different point. Also, do not say *"in the contrary"*; the correct phrase is *"on the contrary"*.
Synonyms
the opposite (Plain, direct equivalent in most contexts; slightly less formal than "the contrary".)
Antonyms
the same (Refers to something that does not differ, rather than being its opposite.)
Collocations
on the contrary
|quite the contrary
|the contrary is true
|evidence to the contrary
Themes
communication
|argumentation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Some people think the job is easy; the contrary is true.
- She claimed that the contrary had been proved in court.
- Far from being boring, the lecture was, on the contrary, very engaging.
- He promised to help, but his behavior suggested quite the contrary.
- There is no evidence to the contrary, so we will accept the report.
Learner examples
- Many people think he is lazy; the contrary is true.
- I was afraid it would be hard. On the contrary, it was simple.
- Some say she is unfriendly, but I have found quite the contrary.
- We heard no facts to the contrary.
- He expected support; the contrary happened.
adjective
informal
C1
property
3
stubbornly disagreeing or uncooperative
Behaving in a difficult way by saying or doing the opposite of what other people want.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is (being) contrary
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use this sense where the more neutral adjective *"different"* or *"opposite"* is needed. This use of *"contrary"* usually describes a difficult or unhelpful attitude, not just a difference.
Synonyms
stubborn (Suggests a strong refusal to change opinion or behavior; does not always imply doing the opposite on purpose.)
|
obstructive (Emphasizes actively making things difficult for others, especially in formal or work settings.)
Antonyms
cooperative (Describes someone who is willing to help and not trying to oppose others.)
Collocations
a contrary child
|in a contrary mood
|just being contrary
|deliberately contrary
|a contrary attitude
Themes
personality
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She’s in a contrary mood today and argues about everything.
- Don’t be so contrary; we’re only trying to help you.
- He adopted a contrary position in every meeting, no matter the topic.
- The child grew more contrary whenever his parents told him what to do.
- Her contrary streak makes teamwork challenging at times.
Learner examples
- The boy is very contrary today.
- She is just being contrary because she is tired.
- My sister gets contrary when she does not get her way.
- He takes a contrary position in every talk.
- When she is angry, she becomes very contrary.
Grammar
Dictionary form
contrary
IPA
GB/kˈɑntɹɛɹi/
US/kˈɑntɹɛɹi/
Syllables & stress
con - trary (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (con)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: contrary
Noun
- Base: contrary
- Plural: contraries, contrary
Word family
Forms
contraries
noun
Core family
Related words
contrarily
adverb
Advanced or less common
Expressions
contrary to
1/kˈɑntɹɛɹi tə/
fixed phrase
not in agreement with something
Used before a noun phrase to say that something is different from or does not follow something else (like rules, advice, or beliefs).
Examples
- Contrary to his doctor’s advice, he continued to smoke.
- Contrary to our expectations, the event was a great success.
- Contrary to the rumors, the company is not closing.
contrary to expectations
1/kˈɑntɹɛɹi tə ˌɛkspɛktˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
different from what was expected
Used to say that what happened is different from what people thought would happen.
Examples
- Contrary to expectations, the new product sold very well.
- Contrary to expectations, the weather stayed warm all week.
- The team won the match, contrary to expectations.
on the contrary
1/ˈɔn ðə kˈɑntɹɛɹi/
fixed phrase
used to say the opposite is true
Used before a sentence to say that the opposite of what someone has just said is true.
Examples
- "You must be tired." "On the contrary, I feel full of energy."
- Some people think he is rude; on the contrary, he is very polite.
- The movie was not boring; on the contrary, it was exciting from start to finish.
quite the contrary
1/kwˈaɪt ðə kˈɑntɹɛɹi/
fixed phrase
completely the opposite is true
Used to say very strongly that the truth is completely the opposite of what someone has just said or thought.
Examples
- They expected her to be shy; quite the contrary, she dominated the discussion.
- The book is not difficult; quite the contrary, it’s very easy to read.
- You didn’t bother me at all—quite the contrary, I enjoyed your visit.
to the contrary
1/tə ðə kˈɑntɹɛɹi/
fixed phrase
formal
showing that the opposite is true
Used after a noun (like "evidence" or "proof") to mean that this thing shows the opposite of what was said or believed.
Examples
- There is no evidence to the contrary, so we must accept his statement.
- Unless there is proof to the contrary, the results will stand.
- Rumors suggested he had resigned, but the company issued a statement to the contrary.
contrary to popular belief
1/kˈɑntɹɛɹi tə pˈɑpjəlɚ bɪlˈif/
fixed phrase
against what most people think
Used to introduce information that is different from what many people think is true.
Examples
- Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind.
- Contrary to popular belief, coffee does not always cause dehydration.
- Contrary to popular belief, carrots don't improve night vision.
- Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a lot of money to start a small business.