Contrary to Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɑntɹɛɹi/, /kənˈtɹɛɹi/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
KAHN-trair-ee tuh
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 dePortuguese (BR): ao contrário dePortuguese (PT): ao contrário deChinese (Simplified): 与…相反Chinese (Traditional): 與…相反Hindi: के विपरीतArabic: على عكسBengali: বিপরীতভাবে - উল্টোভাবে - প্রতিকূলভাবেRussian: вопреки - в отличие от (с оттенком противоположности)Japanese: 〜に反してVietnamese: trái với - ngược lại vớiKorean: ~와는 달리 - ~에 반하여Turkish: aksine - tersineUrdu: کے برخلاف - کے برعکسIndonesian: 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