説明中心

contrary

[ˈkɒntrəri]

contrary Definition

  • 1opposite in nature, direction, or meaning
  • 2perversely inclined to disagree or to do the opposite of what is expected or desired

Using contrary: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "contrary" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    Contrary to popular belief, not all cats hate water.

  • Example

    His actions were contrary to his words.

  • Example

    The new evidence is contrary to the previous findings.

  • Example

    Contrary to expectations, the team lost the game.

contrary Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using contrary

  • be in opposition to or conflict with

    Example

    His actions went contrary to his promises.

  • be in direct opposition to or defiance of

    Example

    Her decision to quit her job and travel the world flew in the face of her parents' expectations.

  • be in opposition to or conflict with

    Example

    His behavior runs contrary to his professed beliefs.

Phrases with contrary

  • used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said

    Example

    I thought the movie was terrible. On the contrary, I found it quite enjoyable.

  • in opposition to what has been stated or what is expected

    Example

    She believed that he was guilty, but the evidence proved to the contrary.

  • not in accordance with the truth or reality

    Example

    He claimed that he had never met her, but the evidence showed that, contrary to the fact, they had been seen together several times.

Origins of contrary

from Latin 'contrarius', meaning 'opposite'

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Summary: contrary in Brief

The term 'contrary' [ˈkɒntrəri] refers to something that is opposite in nature, direction, or meaning, often perversely inclined to disagree or do the opposite of what is expected or desired. It can be used in phrases like 'on the contrary,' which introduces a contrasting statement, and idioms like 'fly in the face of,' which means to be in direct opposition to. Examples include 'Contrary to popular belief, not all cats hate water.' and 'His actions were contrary to his words.'

How do native speakers use this expression?