phrase
on the contrary
on thuh KON-truh-ree
On the contrary (phrase) means used to reject what has just been said and assert the opposite. It signals not merely disagreement but that the truth runs the other way. Example: “You think he was nervous? On the contrary, he enjoyed every minute.”
phrase
1
Used to reject what has just been said and assert the opposite. It signals not merely disagreement but that the truth runs the other way.
"You think he was nervous? On the contrary, he enjoyed every minute."
"The treatment did not help. On the contrary, it made things worse."
How to use on the contrary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNo — actually the opposite is true.
When to use it
Slightly formal; common in writing, debate and argument. Usually followed by a comma.
Memory tip
It needs something to contradict, so it almost never opens a paragraph cold.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
on the contrary, however
quite the contrary
evidence to the contrary
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You think he was nervous? _____, he enjoyed every minute.
Synonyms
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quite the opposite
far from it
quite the reverse
au contraire
Rhymes for on the contrary
See all rhymes for on the contrary →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between on the contrary and in contrast?
On the contrary contradicts a statement — it says the previous claim is wrong and the opposite is true. In contrast simply sets two different things side by side without denying anything: 'Sales rose in the north; in contrast, they fell in the south.'
What is the difference between on the contrary and on the other hand?
On the other hand introduces a second, balancing point that can be true at the same time. On the contrary cancels the first point outright. If both ideas can stand together, you want on the other hand.
Can you say 'in the contrary'?
No. The fixed form is on the contrary. 'To the contrary' also exists, but it works differently — it follows a noun, as in 'evidence to the contrary'.
What is the meaning of on the contrary?
"on the contrary" (phrase) means used to reject what has just been said and assert the opposite. It signals not merely disagreement but that the truth runs the other way.
