Both Uses of
contrary
in
Far from the Madding Crowd
- She instantly replied sarcastically— "On the contrary, my opinion of you is so low, that I see in your abuse the praise of discerning people!"†
Chpt 19-21 (definition 1) *
- She might marry at once in every reasonable person's opinion, whatever the lawyers may say to the contrary."†
Chpt 49-51 (definition 2) *
Definitions:
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(1) (on the contrary as in: on the contrary) an expression used to intensify denial of an ideaeditor's notes: More rarely, on the contrary is used to oppose an idea contained in what was just said rather than to oppose what was literally said. Here is an example: "I will not pay you for the work. On the contrary, I may sue you for damages." Suing for damages does not oppose not paying, but it does oppose the idea of paying.
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(2) (to the contrary as in: to the contrary) with an opposite or different effect; or something with an opposite or different effect