contrary
opposite in nature, fact, or result
Very different from something, or saying the opposite of it.
[something] is contrary to [something]
- 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.
- 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.
the opposite fact or idea
The opposite thing, fact, or idea, often said in phrases like "on the contrary" or "the contrary is true".
on the contrary, [clause]
- 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.
- 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.
stubbornly disagreeing or uncooperative
Behaving in a difficult way by saying or doing the opposite of what other people want.
[someone] is (being) contrary
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.