ON THE CONTRARY

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does on the contrary mean? 

• ON THE CONTRARY (adverb)
  The adverb ON THE CONTRARY has 1 sense:

1. contrary to expectations

  Familiarity information: ON THE CONTRARY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ON THE CONTRARY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Contrary to expectations

Synonyms:

contrarily; contrariwise; on the contrary; to the contrary

Context example:

he didn't stay home; on the contrary, he went out with his friends

 Context examples 

I mean, on the contrary, to be busy.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

There was no sneer upon his thin lips, but, on the contrary, a gray, drawn look of excitement and amazement.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

On the contrary, it was even pleasant, in a physical way.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

But, on the contrary, it was no worse than, I am sorry to say that I am unable to answer your question.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

It seems, on the contrary, to have been a perfectly spontaneous, untaught feeling on his side, and this surprises me.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

The adventure of the night does not seem to have harmed her; on the contrary, it has benefited her, for she looks better this morning than she has done for weeks.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

On the contrary, it is quite conceivable that I do not have to do anything.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

On the contrary, it will diminish.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

On the contrary: we should take advantage of it, and make food enjoyment –the ‘slow food movement’– a tool for healthy eating, Miccoli points out.

(Obesity and food restrictions proven to be associated with less food enjoyment, University of Granada)

What would be your surprise, my son, when you expected a happy and glad welcome, to behold, on the contrary, tears and wretchedness?

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)