Contrary to Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkɑntɹɛɹi/, /kənˈtɹɛɹi/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ

KAHN-trair-ee tuh

UK

ˈkɒntɹəɹi/ /tˈuː

KON-truh-ree tuh

Definition

Used to show that something is the opposite or different from what was expected, said, or believed.

Usage & Nuances

Formal or semi-formal. Often used at the start of a sentence: 'Contrary to popular belief'. Not interchangeable with 'unlike', which just points out a difference (not opposition). Common in essays, reports, and discussions.

• Spanish: contrario a - en contra de - al contrario de
• Portuguese (BR): ao contrário de
• Portuguese (PT): ao contrário de
• Chinese (Simplified): 与…相反
• Chinese (Traditional): 與…相反
• Hindi: के विपरीत
• Arabic: على عكس
• Bengali: বিপরীতভাবে - উল্টোভাবে - প্রতিকূলভাবে
• Russian: вопреки - в отличие от (с оттенком противоположности)
• Japanese: 〜に反して
• Vietnamese: trái với - ngược lại với
• Korean: ~와는 달리 - ~에 반하여
• Turkish: aksine - tersine
• Urdu: کے برخلاف - کے برعکس
• Indonesian: berlawanan dengan - bertentangan dengan

Example Sentences

Contrary to what you think, he is very friendly.

basic

Contrary to his promise, he did not call me.

basic

Contrary to the weather forecast, it was sunny all day.

basic

Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind.

natural

Contrary to my fears, the interview went really well.

natural

Contrary to what everyone said, their new album is actually great.

natural