contrariwise

English

Etymology

From Middle English contrary-wyse; equivalent to contrary +‎ -wise.

Pronunciation

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Adverb

contrariwise (not comparable)

1. (literary) in the contrary or opposite way, order, or direction
   • 1955, Philip Larkin, “Absences”, in The Less Deceived:

     Rain patters on a sea that tilts and sighs. / Fast-running floors, collapsing into hollows, / Tower suddenly, spray-haired. Contrariwise, / A wave drops like a wall: another follows, / Wilting and scrambling

2. (literary) on the other hand

Alternative forms

• contrawise, contrarywise

Synonyms

• (on the contrary): See also Thesaurus:contrarily

Translations

on the contrary — see on the contrary

on the other hand — see on the other hand

See also

• on the contrary