contrariwise

9.2

In a way that is the opposite of what was said

adverb
/kənˈtrɛriˌwaɪz/

Literature

: por el contrario

His explanation was confusing; contrariwise, hers was clear and straightforward.

Examples

The news was shocking to some, but, contrariwise, met with relief by others.
She is happy; contrariwise, he is sad.
He believed the solution was simple; contrariwise, it was actually quite complex.
I prefer tea; contrariwise, my friend loves coffee.
He thinks it will rain, but contrariwise, I believe it will be sunny all day.
You might believe that she was upset, but contrariwise, she was actually very happy.
Many people think this method is best; contrariwise, research shows it may not be effective.

Synonyms

the other way around

vscontrariwise

102 3.2

In the opposite order, direction, or situation

can also introduce a contrary statement rather than only reverse order

on the contrary

vscontrariwise

68 3.2

To say the opposite to correct a wrong idea

also works for opposite manner as a general adverbial use

vice versa

vscontrariwise

62 4.4

The opposite is also true

is used for single opposition or contradiction not to claim mutual truth

to the contrary

vscontrariwise

56 4.3

In a way that shows the opposite is true

also serves to introduce contradiction not only describe opposite manner

conversely

vscontrariwise

Formal

42 4.6

To introduce a statement that shows the opposite of what was just said

can also mean the opposite way in manner rather than only opposing ideas

inversely

vscontrariwise

6 5.8

One thing increases while another decreases

also applies to simple opposite manner or contradiction not only ratios

au contraire

vscontrariwise

3 8.9

To say that something is the opposite of what was just said

also used simply to state opposite manner not only to disagree

contrarily

vscontrariwise

1 6.5

In a way that is the opposite of what was expected

has identical meaning but differs only in word form

oppositely

vscontrariwise

1 5.8

It happens the other way or on the other side

is used to introduce a contrary statement rather than describe manner

reversely

vscontrariwise

1 7.2

In the opposite way

also covers saying the opposite or contradicting beyond physical reversal

antithetically

vscontrariwise

8.2

In a way that shows direct contrast

is broader covering opposite manner and simple contradiction in use

opposingly

vscontrariwise

6.2

In a way that shows you do not agree

is more general also used just to indicate opposite manner or view

Antonyms

concordantly

7.0

In a way that agrees with something or someone

conformably

Formal

7.4

In a way that agrees with rules or standards

Surface Forms

contrariwise positive

Morphology

contrariwise = contrary (transparent) = contrary + wise

The meaning is directly derived from 'contrary' + the productive suffix '-wise' meaning 'in a contrary manner'.

Etymology

Contrariwise comes from contrary ('opposite') and wise ('way' or 'manner'), the same wise you see in clockwise. So it means 'in the opposite way', which is why we use it to say 'on the contrary'.