conversely
Britishadverb
Explanation
The word conversely is an adverb that means "the opposite" or "on the other hand." It is often used to introduce an idea that is different from one stated before. You say the photo is a fake. Conversely, the photographer claims it's real. The adverb conversely has its origin in the Latin word convertere, which means "to turn about." In the following quote by Journalist Andy Rooney note how the word balances the two sentences: "The closing of a door can bring blessed privacy and comfort - the opening, terror. Conversely, the closing of a door can be a sad and final thing - the opening a wonderfully joyous moment."
Vocabulary lists containing conversely
"Deep Survival," Vocabulary from the science writing
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"Deep Survival" by Laurence Gonzales
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How Dare the Sun Rise
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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.
Conversely, sceptics argue that these massive price swings only expose the highly speculative nature of today's market.
From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026
Conversely, if the stock drops significantly below that level, this process loses momentum, causing the company’s cryptocurrency purchases to decelerate.
From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026
"When we increased the ratio of MUFAs to PUFAs in the diet, disease burden increased. Conversely, when we decreased the ratio, disease burden was reduced."
From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026
Conversely, the gap narrows significantly among younger children.
From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026
Conversely, you could be within fifty yards of it and not know, as we had seen at Pleasant Pond a few days before.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
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.
