All 13 Uses of

contrary

in

Notes from the Underground

Finally, even if I had wanted to be anything but magnanimous, had desired on the contrary to revenge myself on my assailant, I could not have revenged myself on any one for anything because I should certainly never have made up my mind to do anything, even if I had been able to.†
Chpt 1.2

on the contrary = an expression used to intensify denial of an idea

And, indeed, I could never endure saying, "Forgive me, Papa, I won't do it again," not because I am incapable of saying that—on the contrary, perhaps just because I have been too capable of it, and in what a way, too.†
Chpt 1.5

And one may choose what is contrary to one's own interests, and sometimes one POSITIVELY OUGHT (that is my idea).†
Chpt 1.7 *

contrary to = in opposition to

On the contrary, I would let my tongue be cut off out of gratitude if things could be so arranged that I should lose all desire to put it out.†
Chpt 1.10 *

on the contrary = an expression used to intensify denial of an idea

On the contrary, the characteristics of our "romantics" are absolutely and directly opposed to the transcendental European type, and no European standard can be applied to them.†
Chpt 2.1

Or perhaps it's just the contrary and you are convinced that I really think so.†
Chpt 2.1 *

On the contrary, they seemed to add a zest to it by contrast, and were only sufficiently present to serve as an appetising sauce.†
Chpt 2.2

on the contrary = an expression used to intensify denial of an idea

On the contrary, the most obvious, striking reality they accepted with fantastic stupidity and even at that time were accustomed to respect success.†
Chpt 2.3

But by then I did not desire their affection: on the contrary, I continually longed for their humiliation.†
Chpt 2.3

On the contrary, I passionately longed to show all that "rabble" that I was by no means such a spiritless creature as I seemed to myself.†
Chpt 2.3

I had imagined, on the contrary, that on coming in he would at once break into his habitual thin, shrill laugh and fall to making his insipid jokes and witticisms.†
Chpt 2.4

I was particularly pleased with a certain lightness, almost carelessness (strictly within the bounds of politeness, however), which was apparent in my style, and better than any possible arguments, gave them at once to understand that I took rather an independent view of "all that unpleasantness last night"; that I was by no means so utterly crushed as you, my friends, probably imagine; but on the contrary, looked upon it as a gentleman serenely respecting himself should look upon it.†
Chpt 2.8

I am not ashamed of my poverty....On the contrary, I look with pride on my poverty.†
Chpt 2.9

Definitions:

(1) (contrary as in: a contrary idea)
different (perhaps opposite or mutually exclusive)

In formal logic, contrary propositions or contrary arguments describe two things that cannot both be true. They might be described as mutually exclusive. For example, a pet cannot be both a cat and a dog. It doesn't need to be either, but if it is one, it cannot be the other. So the statement that a pet is a cat and the statement that the same pet is a dog, are contrary statements.
(2) (contrary as in: a contrary personality)
disagreeable -- typically in reference to someone's personality
(3) (contrary to as in: contrary to)
in opposition to

You could also think of this as meaning, despite, or in spite of, or in conflict with; but since a common meaning of contrary is opposite, you many find it easiest to think of contrary to as in opposition to.
(4) (on the contrary as in: on the contrary)
an expression used to intensify denial of an idea

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.
(5) (to the contrary as in: to the contrary)
with an opposite or different effect; or something with an opposite or different effect
(6) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)