When it comes to language, precision is key. One word can change the entire meaning of a sentence. This is especially true when it comes to the words “contrarily” and “contrastingly.”
Contrarily and contrastingly are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Contrarily means “in opposition to what has been said or done,” while contrastingly means “in a way that is strikingly different from something else.”
So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. If you are trying to say that something goes against what was previously stated or done, then contrarily is the word you want. If you want to emphasize the difference between two things, then contrastingly is the better choice.
In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly.
Define Contrarily
Contrarily is an adverb that means in a contrary or opposite manner. It is often used to indicate a deviation from what is expected or a reversal of a previously stated idea. For example, “Contrarily to popular belief, not all dogs are friendly.”
Define Contrastingly
Contrastingly is an adverb that means in a way that highlights the differences between two things. It is often used to compare and contrast two ideas, objects, or situations. For example, “The warm colors of the sunset contrastingly stood out against the cool blue of the ocean.”
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to communicate your thoughts effectively. Two commonly misused words are contrarily and contrastingly. Here’s how to use them properly in a sentence.
How To Use Contrarily In A Sentence
Contrarily is an adverb that means in a way that is opposite or completely different. It is often used to show a contrast between two things. Here are some examples:
- Contrarily to popular belief, not all dogs like bones.
- She thought the movie would be boring, but contrarily, she found it quite entertaining.
- Contrarily to what he said, his actions showed that he was not committed to the project.
Notice that contrarily is used to show a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. It is often used to contradict a common belief or assumption.
How To Use Contrastingly In A Sentence
Contrastingly is an adverb that means in a way that shows a striking difference. It is often used to compare two things that are very different. Here are some examples:
- The two paintings are contrastingly different in style and color.
- John’s calm demeanor contrastingly stood out in the chaotic room.
- Her bright red dress contrastingly clashed with the muted tones of the room.
Notice that contrastingly is used to emphasize the difference between two things. It is often used to describe something that stands out because of its difference from the surroundings.
More Examples Of Contrarily & Contrastingly Used In Sentences
Contrarily and contrastingly are two words that can be used to show a difference between two things. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Contrarily In A Sentence
- She thought the movie would be terrible, but contrarily, it was actually quite good.
- Contrarily to popular belief, not all cats hate water.
- He was expected to be at the party, but contrarily, he decided to stay home.
- Contrarily to what some may think, not all introverts are shy.
- She believed that exercise was bad for her, but contrarily, it actually made her feel better.
- Contrarily to what the media portrays, not all millennials are lazy.
- He thought the book would be boring, but contrarily, it was quite interesting.
- Contrarily to what some may think, not all vegetarians are health nuts.
- She expected the concert to be loud, but contrarily, it was actually quite mellow.
- Contrarily to what some may believe, not all scientists are atheists.
Examples Of Using Contrastingly In A Sentence
- The two paintings were hung side by side, and contrastingly, one was bright and colorful while the other was dark and somber.
- She was dressed in all black, while contrastingly, her friend was wearing a bright pink dress.
- The two cars were parked next to each other, and contrastingly, one was a sleek sports car while the other was a bulky SUV.
- She had a soft, gentle voice, while contrastingly, her sister had a loud, booming voice.
- The two buildings were next to each other, and contrastingly, one was a modern glass skyscraper while the other was a historic brick building.
- He had a calm and relaxed demeanor, while contrastingly, his boss was always stressed and anxious.
- The two desserts were served side by side, and contrastingly, one was a rich chocolate cake while the other was a light fruit salad.
- She had a minimalist decorating style, while contrastingly, her neighbor had a cluttered and eclectic style.
- The two songs were played back to back, and contrastingly, one was a slow ballad while the other was an upbeat dance track.
- He had a reserved and introverted personality, while contrastingly, his friend was outgoing and extroverted.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to make mistakes. One common mistake that people make is using the words “contrarily” and “contrastingly” interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in the same way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Contrarily” Instead Of “Contrastingly”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “contrarily” when they mean “contrastingly.” While both words indicate a difference between two things, “contrarily” implies that one thing is the opposite of the other, while “contrastingly” simply means that the two things are different. For example:
- Incorrect: Contrarily to popular belief, cats are not always independent.
- Correct: Contrastingly to dogs, cats are often independent.
By using “contrarily” in the first sentence, the writer implies that cats are not just different from dogs, but are actually the opposite of them. This is not accurate, as cats and dogs are simply different types of pets.
Using “Contrastingly” Instead Of “Contrarily”
Another mistake that people make is using “contrastingly” when they mean “contrarily.” While “contrastingly” simply means that two things are different, “contrarily” implies that one thing is the opposite of the other. For example:
- Incorrect: Contrastingly to what I expected, the movie was not very good.
- Correct: Contrarily to what I expected, the movie was not very good.
In the incorrect sentence, the writer simply means that the movie was different from what they expected. However, by using “contrastingly,” they do not convey the idea that the movie was actually the opposite of what they expected.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the difference between “contrarily” and “contrastingly.” Here are some tips:
- Use “contrastingly” to indicate that two things are different, but not necessarily opposite.
- Use “contrarily” to indicate that one thing is the opposite of another.
- If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using these words correctly and effectively in your writing.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “contrarily” and “contrastingly,” context is key. Both words have similar meanings, but their usage can vary depending on the context in which they are used. Understanding the nuances of these words can help you choose the right one for your writing.
Contrarily
The word “contrarily” is often used to emphasize a difference or opposition between two things. It implies that something is happening in opposition to what might be expected or what has been previously stated. For example:
- Contrarily to popular belief, not all cats hate water.
- Contrarily to what the media might suggest, not all millennials are obsessed with social media.
In both of these examples, “contrarily” is used to emphasize a difference between what is commonly believed and what is actually true.
Contrastingly
The word “contrastingly,” on the other hand, is used to highlight a difference between two things. It implies that something is different or distinct from what has been previously stated. For example:
- The bright yellow flowers contrastingly stood out against the dark green leaves.
- The new restaurant’s modern decor contrastingly differed from the traditional cuisine.
In both of these examples, “contrastingly” is used to emphasize a difference between two things. It is not used to suggest opposition or contradiction, but rather to highlight a distinction.
When choosing between “contrarily” and “contrastingly,” it is important to consider the context in which they are being used. If you are emphasizing a difference or opposition, “contrarily” may be the better choice. If you are highlighting a distinction, “contrastingly” may be more appropriate.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using contrarily and contrastingly seem straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Comparison Of Two Opposing Ideas
Contrarily and contrastingly are often used to compare two opposing ideas. However, in some cases, only one idea is presented, and the contrast is implied. In such cases, using contrarily or contrastingly would be inappropriate.
For example:
- Contrary to popular belief, not all cats hate water. (Correct usage of contrarily)
- Not all cats hate water, contrary to popular belief. (Incorrect usage of contrarily)
In the second sentence, the contrast is implied but not explicitly stated, so using contrarily would be incorrect. Instead, a different word such as “however” or “nevertheless” would be more appropriate.
2. Comparison Of Two Similar Ideas
Contrarily and contrastingly are also used to compare two ideas that are different or opposite. However, in some cases, the ideas being compared might be too similar, making the use of these words unnecessary or even confusing.
For example:
- Contrarily to what you might think, both dogs and cats make great pets. (Correct usage of contrarily)
- Contrastingly to what you might think, both dogs and cats make great pets. (Incorrect usage of contrastingly)
In the second sentence, the use of contrastingly might be confusing because the ideas being compared are not very different. Instead, a different word such as “similarly” or “likewise” would be more appropriate.
3. Use As Adverbs
Contrarily and contrastingly can also be used as adverbs to modify verbs, but this usage is less common and might not always be appropriate.
For example:
- Contrarily to what she said, I think we should go to the beach. (Correct usage of contrarily as an adverb)
- He contrastingly wore a black suit to the wedding. (Incorrect usage of contrastingly as an adverb)
In the second sentence, the use of contrastingly as an adverb is awkward and unclear. Instead, a different word such as “unusually” or “unexpectedly” would be more appropriate.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between contrarily and contrastingly, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either contrarily or contrastingly:
- __________ to popular belief, not all cats hate water.
- John prefers coffee, __________ his wife prefers tea.
- The two paintings are similar in style, but __________ they differ in subject matter.
- __________ to what you might think, I actually enjoy doing the dishes.
- __________ to her brother, who is outgoing and extroverted, Sarah is shy and introverted.
Answer Key:
- Contrarily
- Contrarily
- Contrastingly
- Contrarily
- Contrarily
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences using either contrarily or contrastingly:
- Although he prefers the beach, he decided to go skiing for his vacation.
- Despite her fear of heights, she went skydiving.
- She loves dogs and cats equally.
Answer Key:
- Contrarily, he decided to go skiing for his vacation despite preferring the beach.
- Contrarily, she went skydiving despite her fear of heights.
- Contrastingly, she loves dogs and cats equally.
By completing these practice exercises, you will become more confident in your ability to use contrarily and contrastingly correctly in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between contrarily and contrastingly is crucial for effective communication. Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
It is important to note that while both words indicate a difference or opposition, they are used in different contexts. Contrarily is used to indicate a contradictory statement or action, while contrastingly is used to indicate a comparison of differences.
As writers, we must pay close attention to the nuances of language and grammar to ensure our message is conveyed accurately. By expanding our knowledge of grammar and language use, we can improve our writing and communication skills.
Key Takeaways:
- Contrarily and contrastingly are not interchangeable
- Contrarily indicates a contradictory statement or action
- Contrastingly indicates a comparison of differences
- Effective communication requires attention to grammar and language use
As we continue to learn and grow as writers, let us strive to use language accurately and effectively to convey our message to our audience.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.