contrariwise
Americanadverb
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in the opposite direction or way.
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on the contrary; in direct opposition to a statement, attitude, etc.
adverb
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from a contrasting point of view; on the other hand
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in the reverse way or direction
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in a contrary manner
Etymology
Origin of contrariwise
First recorded in 1300–50, Middle English contrary-wyse; see origin at contrary, -wise
Vocabulary lists containing contrariwise
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What about, contrariwise, sweet relish, because somehow a cloying element is desirable with fish?
From Seattle Times • Jul. 27, 2021
Thrasymachus: I have no reason to speak contrariwise.
From Slate • Oct. 14, 2014
At the same time, contrariwise, McEwan also wants to locate his novel in what he calls "the family division" of English prose, the "morally centred fiction of George Eliot, Conrad, James and even Austen".
From The Guardian • Aug. 31, 2014
Casting them contrariwise subverts the clichés in their characters.
From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2014
But the statement need not be taken too seriously, because these rustic fisherfolk, who may be called the Gothamites of Madagascar, are supposed, by their scornful neighbours, to do everything "contrariwise."
From Man, Past and Present by Haddon, Alfred Court
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
