contrariwise

adverb

con·​trari·​wise ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē-ˌwīz How to pronounce contrariwise (audio) kən-ˈtrer- How to pronounce contrariwise (audio)
1
: on the contrary
2
3
: in a contrary manner

Examples of contrariwise in a Sentence

the rock singer is hardly a carouser; contrariwise, he totally abstains from alcohol

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contrary-wyse, from contrary contrary entry 2 + -wyse -wise

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrariwise was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near contrariwise

Cite this Entry

“Contrariwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrariwise. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

contrariwise

adverb
con·​trari·​wise ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē-ˌwīz How to pronounce contrariwise (audio) kən-ˈtrer- How to pronounce contrariwise (audio)
1
: just the opposite : on the contrary
2

More from Merriam-Webster on contrariwise

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!