au contraire
English edit
Etymology edit
Borrowed from French au contraire.
Pronunciation edit
Adverb edit
au contraire (not comparable)
- (usually humorous, emphatic) on the contrary
- 1856, Isabella L. Bird, The Englishwoman in America[2]:
- Travellers have written and spoken so much of the beauty of this celebrated piece of water, that I expected to be disappointed; but, au contraire, I am almost inclined to write a rhapsody myself.
- 1997, Mike Myers, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (motion picture):
- Fembots: (one by one) You can't resist us, Mr. Powers. / Austin Powers: Au contraire, baby. I think that you can't resist me.
Usage notes edit
Now often used for more humorous, ironic, or dramatic effect than on the contrary.[1]
Translations edit
on the contrary — see also on the contrary
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References edit
French edit
Pronunciation edit
Adverb edit
- on the contrary, quite the contrary, quite the opposite; au contraire
Usage notes edit
May be reinforced by bien or tout, i.e., bien au contraire or tout au contraire [1][2]