on the contrary
68
3.2
- idiom
:
por el contrario
- On the contrary, he is decidedly sane.
- on the contrary, it seems
Jet engines, On the contrary, take in and push out air.
- Jet engines, On the contrary, take in and push out air.
- So there's nothing wrong if if this coalition collapses, On the contrary, it might be good for, for peace if it does.
- No, no, no, On the contrary, I'm laughing because it's such an insightful question.
- So Hegel goes on and he says On the contrary, On the contrary, this consciousness, what consciousness?
- We don't diagnose people with those words, but On the contrary, we ask shaman and elder shaman come and communicate with future shaman.
Examples
-
On the contrary, King Peter, I have been studying hieroglyphs for years.
-
Not because NATO cannot do the job; on the contrary, they can do the job really well.
Blog text (7) -
- On the contrary, the kids would be very happy to see you.
-
- On the contrary, you have succeeded.
-
On the contrary, I am very well.
-
Changing times, however, do not decrease the need for research; on the contrary, they increase it.
Academic text (1990) -
On the contrary, I note many observations that should make us doubt it.
Academic text (2017) -
Qualitative investigation, on the contrary, can offer key insights in each of these areas.
Academic text (1990) -
On the contrary, it only strengthens my resolve.
-
On the contrary, I believe you have done a remarkable job despite the challenges.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
Introducing a statement that contrasts with what came before
∞
2.6
Shows a contrast with what was said before
357
2.8
Shows a different idea from what you said before
149
3.5
Shows that something happens or is true despite what was said
95
3.6
To show an opposite idea in a discussion
56
4.3
In a way that shows the opposite is true
42
4.6
To introduce a statement that shows the opposite of what was just said
3
8.9
To say that something is the opposite of what was just said
1
6.5
In a way that is the opposite of what was expected
In a way that is the opposite of what was said
Antonyms
How Contrasting
68
3.2
- Specialized
- Formal
∞
2.6
∞
1.0
∞
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
on + the + contrary
The core meaning rests on the adjective 'contrary' (meaning 'opposite'), and the prepositional frame 'on the ___' simply forms a contrastive adverbial—so a learner who knows 'contrary' will readily infer the phrase means 'in opposition' or 'actually the opposite'. This construction is cross-linguistically common (e.g. 'por el contrario', 'au contraire', 'al contrario'), making the phrase immediately comprehensible to B1 learners familiar with the constituents.
Etymology
On the contrary is like someone pointing the other way after one person says something; it shows a different idea. So we say On the contrary to give the 'opposite' idea or to correct someone.