TO THE CONTRARY

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does to the contrary mean? 

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

1. contrary to expectations

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

 Dictionary entry details 

• TO 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 

In the face of all experience to the contrary, it had happened.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Yet he knew to the contrary himself.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

No, sir, I solemnly assure you to the contrary.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Nothing but the serious assurance of his friend Copperfield to the contrary, he observed, could deprive him of the impression that his friend Copperfield loved and was beloved.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Who steals my purse steals my right to live, was the reply, old saws to the contrary.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

And I am convinced to the contrary.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

She was obliged, in spite of her previous determination to the contrary, to do it all the justice that Mrs. Weston foretold.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The threat sounded awful, but did not alarm Jo, for she knew the irascible old gentleman would never lift a finger against his grandson, whatever he might say to the contrary.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

I am assured that it is safe at Northampton; and there it has probably been these ten days, in spite of the solemn assurances we have so often received to the contrary.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)