contrary

Related to contrary: contrary to popular belief

by contraries

In a manner that differs from or is opposite to one's expectations. This situation is especially maddening because it always seems to change by contraries.
See also: by, contrary

contrary to (something)

In opposition to something. There's no way we can get all these documents scanned in a week, contrary to what the boss thinks. Contrary to popular opinion, higher taxes end up benefiting people more than lower ones.
See also: contrary

contrary to all reason

Despite what definitely should be the case. Describes an occurrence that is unthinkable or unimaginable. And then, contrary to all reason, I found that my bank account was totally depleted. There should have still been thousands of dollars in there!
See also: all, contrary, reason

contrary to popular belief

Opposite to what is popularly or generally expected or believed. Usually used to introduce such a statement. Contrary to popular belief, higher taxes end up benefiting people more than lower ones.
See also: belief, contrary, popular

contrary to popular opinion

Opposite to what is popularly or generally expected or believed. Usually used to introduce such a statement. Contrary to popular opinion, higher taxes end up benefiting people more than lower ones.
See also: contrary, opinion, popular

on the contrary

Opposite to what someone has just said. Our business is not receding. On the contrary, we are experiencing a very robust level of growth. A: "Don't you hate Brussels sprouts?" B: "On the contrary, I think they can be very tasty—if they're cooked the right way."
See also: contrary, on

to the contrary

Opposite to what has just been said. Our business is not receding; to the contrary, we are experiencing a very robust level of growth. A: "Don't you hate Brussels sprouts?" B: "To the contrary, I think they can be very tasty—if they're cooked the right way."
See also: contrary
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

contrary to something

in spite of something that seems to suggest otherwise; regardless of something else. Contrary to what you might think, I am neat and tidy. Contrary to public opinion, my uncle is well and healthy.
See also: contrary

to the contrary

 and on the contrary
as the opposite of what has been stated; contrary to what has been stated. The brown horse didn't beat the black horse. To the contrary, the black one won. Among spiders, the male is not the larger one. On the contrary, the female is larger.
See also: contrary
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

on the contrary

It's the opposite, as in Is his shoulder hurting?-On the contrary, it's all better, or We thought you didn't like opera.-On the contrary, I love it. This phrase, at first put as by or for or in the contrary, dates from the late 1300s; on has been used since the mid-1800s.
See also: contrary, on

to the contrary

To the opposite effect, in denial, as in No matter what they say to the contrary, I am positive that he was present. This idiom was first recorded in 1512. Also see on the contrary.
See also: contrary
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

contrary to popular beˈlief/oˈpinion

although it is not what most people consider to be true: Contrary to popular belief, many cats dislike milk.
See also: belief, contrary, opinion, popular

on the ˈcontrary

,

ˌquite the ˈcontrary

used to emphasize that the opposite of what has been said is true: It’s not that I don’t like him — on the contrary, he seems very pleasant. I don’t find him funny at all. Quite the contrary.
See also: contrary, on

to the ˈcontrary

showing or proving the opposite: Unless you hear from me to the contrary, expect me on Friday at about 6 o’clock. She was convinced that John was not capable of murder, in spite of all the evidence to the contrary.
See also: contrary
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

by contraries

Obsolete
In opposition to what is expected.
See also: by, contrary

on the contrary

In opposition to what has been stated or what is expected: I'm not sick; on the contrary, I'm in the peak of health.
See also: contrary, on

to the contrary

To the opposite effect from what has been stated or what is expected: Despite what you say to the contrary, this contract is fair.
See also: contrary
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • by contraries
  • a change of scenery
  • a change of scene
  • about/on your person
  • at (one's) fingertips
  • at fingertips
  • at one's fingertips
  • at your fingertips
  • differ from
  • differ from (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
It is submitted that the reason for doing so is based on the perception that entertainment programmes are indecent, immoral and contrary to the interests of glory of Islam and should not be shown during fasting times.
IHC reserves verdict in PBA's plea
Allegation #3: Between December 4, 2007 and July 5, 2008, the Respondent failed to ensure that the leveraged investment strategy that he recommended and implemented in the accounts of seven clients was suitable for the clients and in keeping with their investment objectives, having regard to the clients' relevant "Know-Your-Client" information and financial circumstances, including but not limited to the clients' ability to afford the costs associated with the investment loans and withstand investment losses, contrary to MFDA Rules 2.2.1 and 2.1.1.
MFDA Hearing Panel makes findings against Tolu Adeola
Others are charged with recruiting people to join the armed groups and terrorist organizations, such as Daash, outside the Kingdom contrary to the Prevention of Terrorism Act No.
12 ISIS suspects' trial postponed
"These statements are inconsistent with the fraternal and historical relations binding Lebanon with the GCC member states, expressing narrow interests and personal ambitions which drive contrary to the interests of Lebanon and the Arab Nation," the note added.
GCC member countries lodge Protest over Lebanese parliamentarian press statement on Bahrain's internal affairs
Being affected is not a single thing either; it is first a kind of destruction of something by its contrary, and second it is rather the preservation of that which is so potentially by that which is so actually and is like it in the way that a potentiality may be like an actuality.
Aristotle on 'first transitions' in De Anima II 5
The Draft Guidance's statement to the contrary stands in direct contravention to the statutory language.
FDA should withdraw NDI guidance: revisions to the notification guidance must be more reasonable and less restrictive
5940/004 (R-1) Inspect Cloth Helmet Assembly- Cracks were found in the cranial impact shell, contrary to step 1.b.
Submarine advisor for class "A" safety investigations
Sometimes I've had to work to overcome the tutee's resistance against the contrary approach itself.
Quite contrary
Officials said they believed the BNP's constitution and membership criteria may discriminate on the grounds of race and colour, contrary to the Race Relations Act.
BNP faces challenge over race law 'bias'
The Council will claim that on December 19 2007 Jayesh Patel appeared at Leicester Magistrates Court where he was convicted of 20 counts of false accounting contrary to Section 17 (1) (b) of the Theft Act and two counts of using a false instrument with intent contrary to Section 3 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act, 1981.
Optom faces hearing
A new report reveals that during 2007/08, 24 decisions were made by Stockton Council's planning committee "contrary to officer recommendation".
Plan for future... Protocol under discussion
The carrier said on its website that this decree is contrary to the European free market for airline services.
Ryanair files legal action in France - report
Contrary to what was stated in Europolitics 3187, Austria does not want to see the quota for European works that is imposed on traditional television broadcasters imposed on on-demand (so-called non-linear) services.
CORRIGENDUM - TVWF DIRECTIVE
In no way does the SPP infringe upon the sovereignty of the United States." This flies in the face of all the evidence to the contrary. Consider the borders alone.
Myth vs. fact: in their myth-busting attempts, the architects of the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) use half-truths and lies to conceal the real intent inherent in their plans: building a North American Union