How Do You Spell THE CONTRARY?

Pronunciation: [ðə kˈɒntɹəɹˌɪ] (IPA)

The phrase "the contrary" is spelled with a silent "a" in the second syllable, despite the fact that it is pronounced as "kon-trer-ee" /kɒnˈtreər.i/ instead of "kon-trar-ee" /kɒnˈtrɑːr.i/. The reason for this spelling quirk is due to the word's Latin origins, "contrarius". In Latin, the "a" in the second syllable was pronounced, yet over time, its pronunciation shifted in English but the spelling remained the same. Despite its irregular spelling, "the contrary" remains a common expression in everyday language.

THE CONTRARY Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "the contrary" is an idiomatic expression that is used to denote a complete opposite or contrast to something. It refers to a situation or opinion that is completely different or contradictory to what has been previously mentioned or expected.

   In a general sense, "the contrary" implies a contradictory state or condition. It suggests a complete deviation from expectations, norms, or conventional wisdom. It can be used to describe a starkly different point of view, belief, or attitude.

   "The contrary" can also refer to someone who habitually tends to oppose or contradict others, or who takes an opposing position in a discussion or argument. In this context, it characterizes an individual who challenges prevailing ideas or resists established norms by expressing dissenting views or exhibiting contrary behavior.

   Furthermore, "the contrary" is often used to highlight the negative consequences or unfavorable outcomes resulting from a particular action or decision. It implies that the intended effects or outcomes have turned out to be the complete opposite of what was anticipated.

   Overall, "the contrary" signifies a complete opposition, contrast, or divergence. It represents a contradiction, a contrary position or behavior, or the unexpected reversal of an anticipated result.

Common Misspellings for THE CONTRARY

• rhe contrary
• fhe contrary
• ghe contrary
• yhe contrary
• 6he contrary
• 5he contrary
• tge contrary
• tbe contrary
• tne contrary
• tje contrary
• tue contrary
• tye contrary
• thw contrary
• ths contrary
• thd contrary
• thr contrary
• th4 contrary
• th3 contrary
• the xontrary
• the vontrary

Etymology of THE CONTRARY

The word contrary originates from the Latin word contrarius, which means opposite or against. From there, it evolved into Middle English as contrari and eventually into the current form contrary.

Idioms with the word THE CONTRARY

• on the contrary The idiom "on the contrary" is used to introduce an opposing or contrasting point of view or statement. It indicates that the opposite of what has been previously asserted or suggested is true.
• to the contrary The idiom "to the contrary" means the opposite or contrary to what has been stated or suggested. It is used to express disagreement or contradiction towards a previous statement or belief.