Contrariwise vs Contrarily: Deciding Between Similar Terms

When it comes to using the English language, there are often words that can be easily confused with one another. One such pair of words are contrariwise and contrarily. While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately depending on the context.

It is important to note that both contrariwise and contrarily are adverbs. However, contrariwise is considered to be the more formal and archaic of the two. The proper word to use depends on the tone and style of your writing.

Contrariwise means “on the contrary” or “in opposition to what was previously stated.” It is often used to introduce a contrasting idea or to express disagreement. For example, “The proposal was not well-received by the board of directors. Contrariwise, the employees were thrilled with the idea.”

On the other hand, contrarily means “in a contrary manner” or “in a way that goes against what is expected.” It is often used to describe behavior or actions that are unexpected or contrary to what is considered normal. For example, “She always seems to do things contrarily, going against the grain and doing what she thinks is right.”

Now that we have established the definitions of both words, it is important to understand how to use them correctly in writing. The rest of this article will explore the proper usage of contrariwise and contrarily, providing examples and tips to help you use them effectively and confidently.

Define Contrariwise

Contrariwise is an adverb that means in the opposite direction or way. It is used to indicate that something is being done or should be done in the opposite way to what has been previously stated or done. It is often used to show contrast or opposition to a previous statement or action.

For example, “I thought we should take the highway, but contrariwise, my friend suggested we take the scenic route through the mountains.”

Contrariwise can also be used to mean on the contrary or conversely. In this sense, it is used to introduce an opposing or contrasting idea or statement.

For example, “The company’s profits were expected to increase this quarter. Contrariwise, they actually decreased.”

Define Contrarily

Contrarily is an adverb that means in a way that is opposite to what is expected or usual. It is often used to indicate that someone is behaving or thinking in a way that is different from the norm or expected behavior.

For example, “She usually enjoys spicy food, but contrarily, she ordered the mild option.”

Contrarily can also be used to mean in a contradictory or inconsistent way. In this sense, it is used to indicate that someone is behaving or thinking in a way that is inconsistent with their previous actions or statements.

For example, “He said he was against the new policy, but contrarily, he voted in favor of it.”

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference. This is especially true when it comes to using words that have similar meanings but slightly different connotations, such as contrariwise and contrarily. In this section, we will explore how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use Contrariwise In A Sentence

The word contrariwise is an adverb that means “on the contrary” or “in the opposite way.” It is often used to introduce a contrasting idea or to indicate a reversal of a previously stated thought. Here are some examples of how to use contrariwise in a sentence:

• She thought the movie was going to be terrible, but contrariwise, it turned out to be quite good.
• Contrariwise, if we invest in renewable energy sources, we can help reduce our carbon footprint.
• He believed that studying abroad would be a waste of time and money; contrariwise, he now considers it one of the best decisions he ever made.

As you can see from these examples, contrariwise is often used to introduce a contrasting idea or to indicate a reversal of a previously stated thought. It can be a useful word for adding depth and complexity to your writing.

How To Use Contrarily In A Sentence

The word contrarily is an adverb that means “in a contrary or opposite manner.” It is often used to indicate a disagreement or opposition to a previously stated idea. Here are some examples of how to use contrarily in a sentence:

• She thought the movie was going to be quite good, but contrarily, it turned out to be terrible.
• Contrarily, if we continue to rely on fossil fuels, we will only exacerbate the climate crisis.
• He believed that studying abroad would be one of the best decisions he ever made; contrarily, he now regrets it.

As you can see from these examples, contrarily is often used to indicate a disagreement or opposition to a previously stated idea. It can be a useful word for expressing a different point of view or for emphasizing a contrasting argument.

More Examples Of Contrariwise & Contrarily Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use contrariwise and contrarily in sentences. Both words are adverbs that express a contrast or opposition between two ideas. However, they are not interchangeable, and their usage depends on the context of the sentence.

Examples Of Using Contrariwise In A Sentence

• Contrariwise, the new policy will benefit small businesses.
• He thought that the project would be easy. Contrariwise, it turned out to be very difficult.
• She believed that the company was profitable. Contrariwise, it was actually losing money.
• Contrariwise, the stock market has been performing well despite the pandemic.
• He expected the meeting to be boring. Contrariwise, it was very engaging.
• The company claimed that the product was eco-friendly. Contrariwise, it was found to be harmful to the environment.
• She thought that the movie was going to be a flop. Contrariwise, it was a box office success.
• Contrariwise, the new employee has been a great addition to the team.
• He believed that the restaurant was overpriced. Contrariwise, it was actually worth the money.
• She thought that the book was going to be boring. Contrariwise, it was a page-turner.

Examples Of Using Contrarily In A Sentence

• Contrarily, the new policy will hurt small businesses.
• He thought that the project would be difficult. Contrarily, it turned out to be very easy.
• She believed that the company was losing money. Contrarily, it was actually profitable.
• Contrarily, the stock market has been performing poorly despite the pandemic.
• He expected the meeting to be engaging. Contrarily, it was very boring.
• The company claimed that the product was harmful to the environment. Contrarily, it was found to be eco-friendly.
• She thought that the movie was going to be a box office success. Contrarily, it was a flop.
• Contrarily, the new employee has been a poor addition to the team.
• He believed that the restaurant was worth the money. Contrarily, it was actually overpriced.
• She thought that the book was going to be a page-turner. Contrarily, it was boring.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using contrariwise and contrarily, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Contrariwise And Contrarily As Synonyms

Contrariwise and contrarily are not synonyms, and using them interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Contrariwise means “on the contrary” or “in opposition to what has been said or done.” On the other hand, contrarily means “in a contrary manner” or “in opposition to what is expected or desired.”

For example:

• Contrariwise: I thought he would be happy about the news, but contrariwise, he was quite upset.
• Contrarily: Despite her best efforts, the project failed contrarily to what she had hoped.

Using contrarily in place of contrariwise or vice versa can change the meaning of the sentence entirely.

Using Contrariwise And Contrarily In The Wrong Context

Another common mistake is using contrariwise and contrarily in the wrong context. Contrariwise is used to introduce a statement that is in opposition to what has been said or done, while contrarily is used to describe an action or behavior that is in opposition to what is expected or desired.

For example:

• Contrariwise: The weather forecast predicted rain, but contrariwise, it turned out to be a sunny day.
• Contrarily: Contrarily to popular belief, not all snakes are venomous.

Using these words in the wrong context can make the sentence sound awkward and confusing.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the difference between contrariwise and contrarily. Here are some tips:

• Use contrariwise to introduce a statement that is in opposition to what has been said or done.
• Use contrarily to describe an action or behavior that is in opposition to what is expected or desired.
• Read your sentences carefully and make sure you are using the right word in the right context.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and use contrariwise and contrarily correctly in your writing.

Context Matters

When it comes to using words effectively, context is key. This is especially true when deciding between two similar words like contrariwise and contrarily. While both words can be used to convey a sense of opposition or contradiction, the choice between them can depend on the specific context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between contrariwise and contrarily might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Word
Formal Writing	Contrariwise, the evidence suggests that the defendant is guilty.	Contrariwise
Informal Speaking	Contrarily, I think we should just go with the cheaper option.	Contrarily
Philosophical Discussion	Contrariwise, one could argue that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human right.	Contrariwise
Technical Writing	Contrarily, the results of the experiment do not support the hypothesis.	Contrarily

As you can see from these examples, the choice between contrariwise and contrarily can depend on factors such as the level of formality, the specific topic being discussed, and the intended audience. By considering these factors and choosing the appropriate word, you can ensure that your writing is clear, precise, and effective.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of contrariwise and contrarily follows certain rules, there are cases where these rules might not apply. Here are some exceptions to keep in mind:

1. Informal Writing

In informal writing, such as personal emails or texts, the rules for using contrariwise and contrarily are often ignored. In such cases, the words are used interchangeably without any regard for their proper usage. However, it is important to note that this should be avoided in formal writing.

2. Regional Differences

Regional differences can also affect the usage of contrariwise and contrarily. In some parts of the world, one word might be more commonly used than the other. For example, in British English, contrariwise is more commonly used than contrarily.

3. Contextual Differences

The context in which these words are used can also affect their proper usage. For example, in a sentence that expresses a contrast between two ideas, contrarily would be the more appropriate word to use. On the other hand, if the sentence expresses a reversal of a previous statement, contrariwise would be the better choice.

4. Idiomatic Expressions

There are certain idiomatic expressions that use one of these words in a non-literal sense. For example, the phrase “on the contrary” is an idiomatic expression that means “in opposition to what has been said or suggested”. In such cases, the usage of contrariwise or contrarily would not be appropriate.

It is important to keep these exceptions in mind when using contrariwise and contrarily to ensure their proper usage in any given context.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of contrariwise and contrarily is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (contrariwise or contrarily) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. She believed that he was guilty; ______, he was found innocent.
2. He thought that the project would be easy; ______, it turned out to be quite difficult.
3. She wanted to go to the beach; ______, her friends preferred the mountains.
4. He believed that the movie was good; ______, she thought it was terrible.
5. The company was doing well; ______, the stock price was falling.

Answers: 1. contrariwise 2. contrarily 3. contrariwise 4. contrarily 5. contrarily

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word

Read each sentence below and identify whether the correct word to use is contrariwise or contrarily:

1. The team performed well in the first half; ______, they struggled in the second half.
2. She was tired from the long day at work; ______, she decided to go for a run.
3. He believed that the company was making a mistake; ______, his colleagues disagreed.
4. She thought that the dress was too expensive; ______, she decided to buy it anyway.
5. The weather was beautiful; ______, they decided to stay inside all day.

Answers: 1. contrarily 2. contrariwise 3. contrarily 4. contrariwise 5. contrariwise

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences

Create five sentences of your own that use either contrariwise or contrarily correctly. Share your sentences with a friend or family member and see if they can identify the correct word used.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep using these words in your writing and speaking to improve your understanding and comfort level with them.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between contrariwise and contrarily, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

Contrariwise should be used when expressing a contrasting or opposite idea, while contrarily should be used when expressing opposition or disagreement with a statement or action.

It is important to pay attention to the nuances of language and grammar in order to effectively communicate ideas and avoid confusion.

As with any aspect of language use, there is always more to learn and explore. We encourage readers to continue expanding their knowledge of grammar and language use to enhance their writing and communication skills.