on the contrary

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on the contrary

He said he was tired, but on the contrary, he went out with his friends.

Definition

Adverb: Used to introduce a statement that strongly contradicts or opposes what has just been said, emphasizing that the opposite is true.

Usage

This phrase is used to correct a previous assumption or statement and present the contrasting reality. It signals a direct and emphatic opposition. - It typically begins a sentence or clause. - It is often preceded by a negative statement or a common misconception.

Examples
  • "He is not lazy. On the contrary, he is one of the hardest-working people I know."
  • "The weather did not ruin our trip. On the contrary, the rain made the scenery even more beautiful."
  • "I thought she would be angry, but on the contrary, she was very understanding."
Advanced Usage
  • Formal Contrast: Used in formal writing and debate to present a counter-argument clearly and forcefully.
    • Critics claim the policy will harm the economy. On the contrary, we believe it will stimulate growth.
  • Correcting a Direct Question or Implication: Used to respond to a question that contains an incorrect assumption.
    • "Are you disappointed with the result?" – "On the contrary, I'm thrilled."
Variants and Related Words
  • Conversely (Adverb): Introduces a statement or idea that reverses one just made, often used in more logical or sequential contrasts (e.g., "In the north, it's cold and wet. Conversely, the south is warm and dry.").
  • To the contrary (Phrase): Often used after verbs like "show," "prove," or "argue" to indicate evidence or arguments against something.
    • Despite rumors to the contrary, the company is financially stable.
Synonyms
  • Quite the opposite
  • Au contraire (from French, used for stylistic effect)
  • Just the opposite
Antonyms
  • Similarly
  • Likewise
  • Correspondingly
Notes
  • "On the contrary" vs. "On the other hand": These are not synonyms. "On the other hand" introduces a different, often balancing point of view, not a direct contradiction. (e.g., "It's an expensive car. On the other hand, it's extremely reliable.").
  • The phrase is a fixed idiom; its form does not change.
on the contrary

He said he was tired, but on the contrary, he went out with his friends.

Adverb
  1. contrary to expectations; on the contrary, he went out with his friends"
    • he didn't stay home

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