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/ɑn ðə kˈɑntrɛri/ Listen

noun

Contrary n. (pl. contraries)

A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities. "No contraries hold more antipathy Than I and such a knave."

An opponent; an enemy. (Obs.)

The opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1.

(Logic) See Contraries.

On the contrary, in opposition; on the other hand.

To the contrary, to an opposite purpose or intent; on the other side. "They did it, not for want of instruction to the contrary."

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Etymology of 'On the contrary'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"On the contrary" Quotes from Famous Books

... who in these days displays that absence of the sense of humor which is such a prominent characteristic of our comic papers. [Laughter.] I do not mean to say for a moment that man assumes his "mere man" tone for unpleasant purposes. On the contrary, he assumes it for party purposes as a rule—for dinner party purposes. [Laughter.] When man is in his mere man mood sovran woman would do well to ask for anything that she wants—for it is then that he holds the sceptre out to her. [Laughter.] ...

— Modern Eloquence: Vol II, After-Dinner Speeches E-O • Various

... render it far more popular and readable than many works on the subject of much greater scope and science. Cumberland was mistaken, however, in his notion of Goldsmith's ignorance and lack of observation as to the characteristics of animals. On the contrary, he was a minute and shrewd observer of them; but he observed them with the eye of a poet and moralist as well as a naturalist. We quote two passages from his works illustrative of this fact, and we do so the more readily because they are in ...

— Oliver Goldsmith • Washington Irving

... "On the contrary, there are times when weather conditions, such as drouth, make it a very difficult matter for some tribes to get sufficient food. Then they will turn to human flesh, and will eat men who have fallen to their weapons, ...

— Around the World in Ten Days • Chelsea Curtis Fraser

... Well, since he knows me, perhaps he will answer. Now, monsieur, I believe you agree with me, or else would be there, while, on the contrary, you are here." ...

— The Forty-Five Guardsmen • Alexandre Dumas

... of our years," he who loves Nature is always young. But what is the love of Nature? Some seem to think they show a love of flowers by gathering them. How often one finds a bunch of withered blossoms on the roadside, plucked only to be thrown away! Is this love of Nature? It is, on the contrary, a wicked waste, for a waste of beauty is almost the worst waste ...

— The Beauties of Nature - and the Wonders of the World We Live In • Sir John Lubbock

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