首页

contrariwise

UK[ˈkɒn.trə.ri.waɪz]US[ˈkɑːn.trer.i.waɪz]
adv

in the opposite way or direction.

adv

on the other hand; conversely.

Morpheme Breakdown

contrary
wise
contrary

wise

Etymology

the word 'contrariwise' is a compound adverb formed within english. its first element, 'contrary', entered english from old french contraire, which itself descended from latin contrarius, meaning opposite or opposed, derived from contra (against). the second element, '-wise', is a native english adverbial suffix from old english -wīse, denoting manner or way, related to the noun wise (way, manner). the literal construction "in a contrary manner" evolved to express the abstract logical relations of opposition or contrast, allowing it to function as a formal synonym for 'conversely' or 'on the other hand'.

Analysis

Structure: contrary + wise contrary (from latin contrarius, meaning opposite, opposed) + wise (from old english -wīse, meaning manner, way, fashion, used to form adverbs of manner).

Examples

he did not object; contrariwise, he offered his full support.

some believe the policy will boost the economy; contrariwise, others fear it may cause inflation.

she turned the knob clockwise, but it wouldn't budge, so she tried turning it contrariwise.

contrariwise – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology