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.
"For example, if at first proteins A and B are separate, adding caffeine brings them together; conversely, if proteins A and B start out together, adding a drug like rapamycin can cause them to dissociate."
From Science Daily • Feb. 28, 2026
An elephant's trunk can surpass a human's height and lift trees -- a marvel of strength that's conversely so gentle it can grasp a tortilla chip without breaking it.
From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026
Isak's former team-mates knew the runs he would make and the Swede, conversely, knew his side's patterns inside, out.
From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026
Its inherent themes question what a life is worth and conversely what makes a life worthy.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026
While most solitary territorial species thus haven’t been domesticated, it’s not conversely the case that most herd species can be domesticated.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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.
