Another Word For On the contrary

Meaning

The phrase "on the contrary" is used to indicate that the statement you are making contrasts with what has just been said or assumed. It often emphasizes that an assertion is true while the previous assumption is not. For example, if someone says "It's going to rain today," you might reply, "On the contrary, the forecast predicts a sunny day."

Synonyms

• Conversely
• Contrarily
• Instead
• Rather
• Alternatively

Antonyms

• Similarly
• Accordingly
• Likewise
• In agreement

Etymology

The phrase "on the contrary" is derived from the Latin word "contrarius," which means "opposite." It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century to express ideas in opposition.

Examples

1. "Some people claim that homework is useless; on the contrary, it can help students reinforce their understanding of new concepts."
2. "Many believe that exercise is tiring; on the contrary, regular physical activity can increase energy levels."
3. "He thought the test would be difficult, but on the contrary, he found it quite easy."
4. "You might think that city life is stressful, but on the contrary, it can be full of exciting opportunities."