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Meaning & use

on the contrary

phrase·Academic

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UK/ɒn ðə ˈkɒntrəri/
US/ɑːn ðə ˈkɑːntreri/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Used to say that the opposite of what has just been stated is true.

    Grammar: Starts a reply that denies the previous statement: No, on the contrary, I enjoyed it.

    Patterns

    • On the contrary, ...

    I wasn't bored; on the contrary, I loved every minute.

    You think he is lazy? On the contrary, he works harder than anyone.

    The plan didn't fail. On the contrary, it exceeded our hopes.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    Used to add a statement that strongly goes against an earlier idea.

    Grammar: Often follows a negative: not X; on the contrary, Y.

    Patterns

    • not X; on the contrary, Y

    The new rule did not reduce crime; on the contrary, it increased it.

    Exercise doesn't make you tired; on the contrary, it gives you energy.

    She did not complain. On the contrary, she thanked us.

Common combinations

quite the contrary
Quite the contrary, I was delighted.
on the contrary, ...
On the contrary, we agree entirely.
far from it
He isn't unhappy; far from it.
not at all; on the contrary
Not at all; on the contrary, it helped.

Synonyms and how they differ

quite the opposite
Quite the opposite is more casual and is often used at the end of a sentence.
conversely
Conversely is more formal and flips a relationship, while on the contrary rejects a claim.
far from it
Far from it is spoken and short, used for strong denial.
in contrast
In contrast compares two things and does not deny a claim.

Opposites

indeed

Word family

contrary adjective
opposite or opposed
contrarily adverb
in an opposing way
contrariness noun
the habit of being difficult
contrariwise adverb
on the other hand, in the opposite way

Commonly confused: on the contrary or on the other hand? on the contrary or to the contrary?

on the contrary vs on the other hand

On the other hand adds a second, different point, while on the contrary denies what was said.

on the contrary vs to the contrary

To the contrary follows a noun, as in evidence to the contrary, and is not used to start a reply.

Practice

"Were you disappointed by the film?" "No, ______, I thought it was excellent."

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