CONTRARY TO Meaning and
Definition
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Contrary to is a phrase used to express opposition or disagreement between two ideas, actions, opinions, or circumstances. It signifies a contradiction or an opposite quality between two things being compared.
In a literal sense, it refers to the opposite direction, course, or movement from what is expected or generally understood. For example, if something is described as going "contrary to popular belief," it means it is going against what, on the whole, is commonly accepted or believed to be true.
In a figurative sense, contrary to can denote a contradiction or disagreement between two concepts, statements, or viewpoints. It suggests a conflict or inconsistency in ideas or circumstances. For instance, if someone says "contrary to what you might think," they are implying that their following statement contradicts or goes against what the listener might have assumed or expected.
Overall, contrary to serves to emphasize the opposition or divergence between two ideas, actions, opinions, or situations. It indicates a departure from the anticipated or commonly held stance, highlighting discrepancies or incongruities. The phrase helps to convey a sense of contradiction or disagreement and reinforces the idea that there is a significant difference or disparity between the two contrasting elements being compared.
Common Misspellings for CONTRARY TO
- xontrary to
- vontrary to
- fontrary to
- dontrary to
- cintrary to
- ckntrary to
- clntrary to
- cpntrary to
- c0ntrary to
- c9ntrary to
- cobtrary to
- comtrary to
- cojtrary to
- cohtrary to
- conrrary to
- confrary to
- congrary to
- conyrary to
- con6rary to
- con5rary to
Etymology of CONTRARY TO
The word contrary originated from the Latin word contrarius, which means opposite or against. It entered the English language in the 14th century.
The preposition to is derived from Old English and has various origins, including the Old English word to, which means in the direction of or in relation to.
So when combined, contrary to means opposite to or against in relation to.
Idioms with the word CONTRARY TO
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contrary to popular opinion
Contrary to popular opinion means going against what is commonly believed or accepted by the majority of people.
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contrary to popular belief/opinion
"Contrary to popular belief/opinion" means something that goes against what is commonly accepted or believed by many people. It suggests that the prevailing opinion or belief on a certain topic is incorrect or mistaken.
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contrary to popular belief
"Contrary to popular belief" is an expression used to indicate that something is not as widely accepted or believed as most people think. It suggests that the commonly held belief or assumption about a certain topic is actually incorrect or inaccurate.
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contrary to all reason
The idiomatic phrase "contrary to all reason" refers to something that goes against logic, rationality, or common sense. It describes a situation or action that is difficult to comprehend or understand based on sound reasoning.
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contrary to sth
"Contrary to sth" means in opposition to something or going against something. It implies a contradiction or a disagreement with a particular idea, statement, or belief.
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contrary to (something)
In opposition or defiance of something; in a way that goes against something.
