contrary

con|tra|ry¹ [ˈkɔntrəri US ˈka:ntreri] n

1.) on the contrary/quite the contrary

used to add to a negative statement, to disagree with a negative statement by someone else, or to answer no to a question

▪ It wasn't a good thing; on the contrary it was a huge mistake.

▪ 'I suppose your wife doesn't understand you.' 'On the contrary, she understands me very well.'

▪ 'Are they happy?' 'No, no, quite the contrary.'

2.) evidence/statements etc to the contrary

something showing or saying the opposite

▪ Unless there is evidence to the contrary, we ought to believe them.

▪ He continued to drink despite advice to the contrary.

3.) the contrary

formal the opposite of what has been said or suggested

contrary ²

contrary² adj

1.) contrary ideas, opinions, or actions are completely different and opposed to each other

▪ Two contrary views emerged.

▪ The men shouted contrary orders.

contrary to

▪ The government's actions are contrary to the public interest.

2.) contrary to popular belief/opinion

used to say that something is true even though people believe the opposite

▪ Contrary to popular belief, a desert can be very cold.

3.) formal a contrary wind is not blowing in the direction you want to sail

contrary ³

con|tra|ry³ [kənˈtreəri US ˈka:ntreri, kənˈtreri] adj

someone who is contrary deliberately does different things from other people

▪ Evans was his usual contrary self.

>contrariness n [U]