contrary
Very different from something, or saying the opposite of it.
Opposite in nature, character, meaning, or result; completely different or conflicting with something else.
The opposite thing, fact, or idea, often said in phrases like "on the contrary" or "the contrary is true".
The opposite of what has just been mentioned, especially used in fixed phrases such as "on the contrary" or "the contrary is true".
Behaving in a difficult way by saying or doing the opposite of what other people want.
Tending to disagree, argue, or do the opposite of what is expected or wanted, often just to be difficult.
- Base: contrary
- Base: contrary
- Plural: contraries, contrary
contrary to
1not 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).
- 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
1different from what was expected
Used to say that what happened is different from what people thought would happen.
- 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
1used to say the opposite is true
Used before a sentence to say that the opposite of what someone has just said is true.
- "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
1completely the opposite is true
Used to say very strongly that the truth is completely the opposite of what someone has just said or thought.
- 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
1showing 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.
- 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
1against what most people think
Used to introduce information that is different from what many people think is true.
- 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.