CEFR B2

contrary

adjective

Meaning

Opposite or opposed to what has been stated or suggested.

Examples

The evidence suggests the contrary.
He was accused of lying, but the facts proved the contrary.

Learn English that separates you from the crowd with Anaversity: private classes, Ani practice, Campus tools, and a public English-learning community.

contrary (B2)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒntrəri/

Definition

Opposite or opposed to what has been stated or suggested.

Examples

The evidence suggests the contrary.
He was accused of lying, but the facts proved the contrary.
She expected a quiet evening, but the contrary happened when her friends arrived unexpectedly.

How to Use contrary

on the contrary (idiom): Used to state the opposite of what has just been said. — "You think I'm angry? On the contrary, I'm quite pleased."
contrary to (prepositional phrase): In opposition to something. — "Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind."

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary