Words / B2

KONTR-uh-ree/ˈkɒntrəri/

Contrary means opposite in nature or meaning: contrary to popular belief, on the contrary. Opposite is everyday; opposing is close for sides in an argument. On the contrary corrects a claim (“You look tired.” — “On the contrary, I slept well.”). To the contrary means to the opposite effect. In speech, the opposite or no, the opposite is true is enough. Do not use on the contrary as a fancy however in the middle of a story — it answers a previous claim.

Meaning

Opposite in nature or meaning (on the contrary).

Examples

• “On the contrary, the results were better.”
• “On the contrary, the results were better than the mock exams.”
• “Contrary to the rumour, the library stayed open through the holidays.”

Good to know

Opposite. on the contrary = that claim is wrong. contrary to + noun. Everyday: the opposite. Not a lazy “however”.

Near in meaning

opposite

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