on the contrary

on the contrary
adverb
contrary to expectations (Freq. 10)
-

he didn't stay home; on the contrary, he went out with his friends

• Derived from adjective: ↑contrary (for: ↑contrarily)

* * *

adverb
2. : just the opposite : no

“you look tired”. “On the contrary, I feel fine”

* * *

on the contrary
Quite the opposite, not at all
• • •
Main Entry: ↑contrary

* * *

on the contrary phrase
used for emphasizing that something is true, even though it is the opposite of something that has been said

The risk of infection hasn’t diminished – on the contrary, it has increased.

Thesaurus: ways of emphasizing that something is true although it may be surprisingsynonym
Main entry: contrary

* * *

on (or quite) the contrary
used to intensify a denial of what has just been implied or stated

there was no malice in her; on the contrary, she was very kind

* * *

on the contrary (also quite the contrary)
— used to state that the opposite of what was said before is true

The test will not be easy; on the contrary, it will be very difficult.

The lecture was not boring. Quite the contrary, it was very informative and interesting.

• • •
Main Entry: ↑contrary

* * *

on the ˈcontrary idiom
used to introduce a statement that says the opposite of the last one

•

‘It must have been terrible.’ ‘On the contrary, I enjoyed every minute.’

Main entry: ↑contraryidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу
Synonyms:
, / ,


Look at other dictionaries:

  • On the contrary — Contrary Con tra*ry, n.; pl. {Contraries}. 1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities. [1913 Webster] No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave. Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] Chaucer. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • To the contrary — Contrary Con tra*ry, n.; pl. {Contraries}. 1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities. [1913 Webster] No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave. Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] Chaucer. [1913… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • to the contrary — {adv.} or {adj. phr.} With an opposite result or effect; just the opposite; in disagreement; saying the opposite. * /Although Bill was going to the movies, he told Joe to the contrary./ * /We will expect you for dinner unless we get word to the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • to the contrary — {adv.} or {adj. phr.} With an opposite result or effect; just the opposite; in disagreement; saying the opposite. * /Although Bill was going to the movies, he told Joe to the contrary./ * /We will expect you for dinner unless we get word to the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • To the Contrary — No. of seasons 18 Broadcast Original channel PBS …   Wikipedia

  • on the contrary — {adv. phr.} Exactly the opposite; rather; instead. * /The principal thought that the children went to the zoo; on the contrary, they went to the bakery./ * / You don t like football, do you? On the contrary, I like it very much. / Compare: TO THE …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • on the contrary — {adv. phr.} Exactly the opposite; rather; instead. * /The principal thought that the children went to the zoo; on the contrary, they went to the bakery./ * / You don t like football, do you? On the contrary, I like it very much. / Compare: TO THE …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • On the Contrary — Artist Kay Sage Year 1952 Type Oil on canvas Dimensions 90.17 cm × 70.485 cm (35½ in × 27¾ in) Locat …   Wikipedia

  • affirm the contrary — index bear false witness, contradict, disown (deny the validity) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • to the contrary — phrasal 1. on the contrary 2. notwithstanding …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • assert the contrary — index contradict Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”