contrary

Completely different from, or disagreeing with, another idea, statement, or result.

• She expressed a contrary view.
• The evidence is contrary to his claim.
• Despite contrary advice, they continued the project.

How to use it: contrary to something (His findings were contrary to our expectations.)

Similar words: opposite, conflicting, contradictory

Opposites: consistent

Common phrases: contrary view, contrary evidence, contrary to something

Often disagreeing with others or refusing to do what they want.

• He can be very contrary.
• The contrary child refused every suggestion.
• Why are you being so contrary today?

Similar words: awkward, stubborn, obstinate

Opposites: agreeable, cooperative

Common phrases: contrary child, contrary person, contrary mood, contrary nature

The opposite of an idea or statement, usually in the expression “the contrary.”

• I have no evidence to the contrary.
• They believed him until someone proved the contrary.
• She is not lazy; on the contrary, she works hard.

How to use it: on the contrary (I was not bored; on the contrary, I enjoyed it.); to the contrary (We assumed it was safe without evidence to the contrary.)

Similar words: opposite

Common phrases: on the contrary, to the contrary, prove the contrary

Used to introduce a fact that differs from what people believe, say, or expect.

• Contrary to popular belief, bats can see.
• The shop is open, contrary to earlier reports.
• Contrary to our expectations, the journey was easy.

How to use it: contrary to something, … (Contrary to the forecast, it stayed dry all day.)

Similar words: unlike

Common phrases: contrary to belief, contrary to expectations, contrary to reports

Against a rule, principle, instruction, or wish.

• That decision is contrary to the rules.
• Their actions were contrary to the agreement.
• The order is contrary to the constitution.

How to use it: contrary to something (The payment was contrary to company policy.)

Similar words: against

Common phrases: contrary to law, contrary to something, contrary to policy

In a way that goes against a rule, belief, wish, or expectation.

• He acted contrary to my wishes.
• They behaved contrary to their stated principles.
• The team worked contrary to the agreed instructions.

How to use it: contrary to something (She acted contrary to the advice she received.)

Similar words: contrarily

Common phrases: act contrary to, behave contrary to, contrary to something