to the contrary

2 definitions found

to the contrary - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Contrary \Con"tra*ry\, n.; pl. Contraries.
     1. A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              No contraries hold more antipathy
              Than I and such a knave.              --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. An opponent; an enemy. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. the opposite; a proposition, fact, or condition
        incompatible with another; as, slender proofs which rather
        show the contrary. See Converse, n., 1. --Locke.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. (Logic) See Contraries.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     On the contrary, in opposition; on the other hand. --Swift.
  
     To the contrary, to an opposite purpose or intent; on the
        other side. "They did it, not for want of instruction to
        the contrary." --Bp. Stillingfleet.
        [1913 Webster]

to the contrary - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  to the contrary
      adv 1: contrary to expectations; "he didn't stay home; on the
             contrary, he went out with his friends" [syn:
             contrarily, to the contrary, contrariwise, on the  contrary
             ]