Contrarily

/kənˈtrerɪli/
adverb

In a way that goes against or is the opposite of what is expected or desired.

Contrarily to what we all expected, he supported the unpopular decision.
Visual representation of "contrarily" - In a way that goes against or is the opposite of what is expected or desired.

Often appears as...

  • contrarily to what
  • contrarily
adverb

In a stubborn or willful manner.

Despite the consensus among the team, he behaved contrarily, insisting on his point.
Visual representation of "contrarily" - In a stubborn or willful manner.

Often appears as...

  • behaved contrarily
  • acted contrarily

Usage tips

Disapproving

adverb

In a way that goes against or is the opposite of what is expected or desired.

Contrarily to what we all expected, he supported the unpopular decision.
Visual representation of "contrarily" - In a way that goes against or is the opposite of what is expected or desired.

Often appears as...

  • contrarily to what
  • contrarily
adverb

In a stubborn or willful manner.

Despite the consensus among the team, he behaved contrarily, insisting on his point.
Visual representation of "contrarily" - In a stubborn or willful manner.

Often appears as...

  • behaved contrarily
  • acted contrarily

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "contrarily"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Twist

Used when something happens that is the opposite of what you would think or it's surprising.

Illustration for Unexpected Twist
Contrarily to everyone's beliefs, he chose to walk away from the argument.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasizing Contrast

Highlights a stark difference between two situations or opinions.

Illustration for Emphasizing Contrast
She smiled, but contrarily, her eyes were filled with tears.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Refuting Expectations

Stresses on the act of contradicting what was assumed or envisaged by others.

Illustration for Refuting Expectations
Contrarily to popular belief, the young actress shunned the limelight.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Twist

Used when something happens that is the opposite of what you would think or it's surprising.

Illustration for Unexpected Twist
Contrarily to everyone's beliefs, he chose to walk away from the argument.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasizing Contrast

Highlights a stark difference between two situations or opinions.

Illustration for Emphasizing Contrast
She smiled, but contrarily, her eyes were filled with tears.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Refuting Expectations

Stresses on the act of contradicting what was assumed or envisaged by others.

Illustration for Refuting Expectations
Contrarily to popular belief, the young actress shunned the limelight.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Twist

Used when something happens that is the opposite of what you would think or it's surprising.

Illustration for Unexpected Twist
Contrarily to everyone's beliefs, he chose to walk away from the argument.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emphasizing Contrast

Highlights a stark difference between two situations or opinions.

Illustration for Emphasizing Contrast
She smiled, but contrarily, her eyes were filled with tears.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Refuting Expectations

Stresses on the act of contradicting what was assumed or envisaged by others.

Illustration for Refuting Expectations
Contrarily to popular belief, the young actress shunned the limelight.
Visual representation of the word "Contrarily"

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