contrarily

/kənˈtreərɪli/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtrerɪli/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˈ)kän-¦trer-ə-lē kən-ˈtrer-/ (ame, mw)

contrarily — adverb

1. Used when a situation or result turns out in the opposite direction from what so

1.副詞B2
釋義

Used when a situation or result turns out in the opposite direction from what someone thought would happen or from what was predicted.

例句

The weather forecast said rain, but contrarily the skies stayed clear all day.

contrarily contrasts outcome with prediction

Contrarily, the cheaper phone lasted much longer than the expensive one.

sentence adverb at start of clause

同義詞
  • conversely

    used in formal or academic writing to signal a logical reversal

  • on the contrary

    a phrase used to directly contradict a negative statement

反義詞

文法句型

contrarily, [clause]

[clause], but contrarily [opposite outcome]

用法筆記

Frequently contrasts a real outcome with a prior belief or forecast. May appear at the start of a clause or before the main verb. Not used as a preposition — for that function, use 'contrary to'.

常見錯誤

❌Contrarily to the rules, he arrived late.
✅Contrary to the rules, he arrived late.
💡'Contrary to' is the correct prepositional phrase; 'contrarily' is an adverb that modifies the whole sentence, not a preposition.

2. In a way that shows you intend to oppose or annoy other people by deliberately s

2.副詞B2
釋義

In a way that shows you intend to oppose or annoy other people by deliberately saying or doing things that go against their wishes.

例句

The more Astrid tried to calm the child, the more he contrarily screamed.

the more... the more structure with contrarily

Every time someone suggests a plan, Ari contrarily argues for the opposite idea.

同義詞
  • perversely

    stronger tone, suggesting unreasonable or stubborn opposition

  • obstinately

    focuses on stubborn persistence rather than intent to annoy

  • waywardly

    suggests childish or unpredictable rebellion

反義詞

文法句型

[subject] behaves/acts/says + contrarily

用法筆記

Subject is typically a person or animal whose behaviour intentionally opposes others' wishes. Common when describing stubborn children or argumentative conduct. The opposition must carry an element of annoyance — simple preference is not enough.

常見錯誤

❌She contrarily chose the blue dress.' (if simply stating a preference)
✅She contrarily chose the blue dress just to upset her sister.
💡Without the intent to oppose or annoy, the word sounds unnatural.