Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

contrary

noun [S]
 
 
/ˈkɒn.trə.ri/ US  /ˈkɑːn.tre-/

Definition

the contrary the opposite: I was worried that it might be too difficult for me but I found the contrary.Opposites on the contrary B2 used to show that you think or feel the opposite of what has just been stated: "Didn't you find the film exciting?" "On the contrary, I nearly fell asleep half way through it!"Yes, no and not to the contrary C1 saying or showing the opposite: For a long time it was thought to be a harmless substance, but we now have proof/evidence to the contrary.Opposites
(Definition of contrary noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
Focus on the pronunciation of contrary