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contrary
contrary to popular opinion
Opposite to what is popularly or generally expected or believed. Usually used to introduce such a statement. Contrary to popular opinion, higher taxes end up benefiting people more than lower ones.
contrary to all reason
Despite what definitely should be the case. Describes an occurence that is unthinkable or unimaginable. And then, contrary to all reason, I found that my bank account was totally depleted. There should have still been thousands of dollars in there!
contrary to something
in spite of something that seems to suggest otherwise; regardless of something else. Contrary to what you might think, I am neat and tidy. Contrary to public opinion, my uncle is well and healthy.
to the contrary
and on the contraryas the opposite of what has been stated; contrary to what has been stated. The brown horse didn't beat the black horse. To the contrary, the black one won. Among spiders, the male is not the larger one. On the contrary, the female is larger.
on the contrary
just the opposite, esp. of something said or believed
The evidence of history, on the contrary, shows that these ancient people had a very advanced culture. Usage notes: often used to disagree with someone or something and to present new information
to the contrary
suggesting or showing that the opposite is true Unless you have specific information to the contrary, it is obvious that she is lying.
contrary to popular belief/opinion
something that you say before you make a statement that is the opposite of what most people believe Contrary to popular belief, bottled water is not always better than tap water.
on the contrary
It's the opposite, as in Is his shoulder hurting?-On the contrary, it's all better, or We thought you didn't like opera.-On the contrary, I love it. This phrase, at first put as by or for or in the contrary, dates from the late 1300s; on has been used since the mid-1800s.
to the contrary
To the opposite effect, in denial, as in
No matter what they say to the contrary, I am positive that he was present. This idiom was first recorded in 1512. Also see
on the contrary.
by contraries
Obsolete In opposition to what is expected.
on the contrary
In opposition to what has been stated or what is expected: I'm not sick; on the contrary, I'm in the peak of health.
to the contrary
To the opposite effect from what has been stated or what is expected: Despite what you say to the contrary, this contract is fair.