Contrarily vs. Contrastingly — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 28, 2024
Contrarily implies opposition or deviation from what is expected, while contrastingly is used to highlight stark differences between elements.
Difference Between Contrarily and Contrastingly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Contrarily is often used to introduce a statement that opposes or differs from a previous statement. Contrastingly, it serves to highlight a difference, emphasizing the divergence more than the opposition.
When someone uses "contrarily," it typically indicates a contradiction or a different point of view in an argument. On the other hand, "contrastingly" is used to draw a clear distinction in comparisons, focusing on how elements differ starkly from each other.
In terms of usage, "contrarily" suggests an alternative scenario or outcome, suggesting a turn in the discussion. Whereas, "contrastingly" is more about comparing two or more items, showing how they are in stark opposition or difference.
Writers may choose "contrarily" to suggest a surprise or unexpected turn in their narrative. Contrastingly, "contrastingly" is more straightforward and is used when the intention is to clearly delineate differences.
In discourse, "contrarily" can be seen as more subtle, often embedding a contrary opinion within a broader argument. Contrastingly, using "contrastingly" is a more direct method of highlighting differences, often used in more structured or formal comparisons.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Indicates opposition or deviation
Highlights stark differences
Usage in Discourse
Introduces contradiction
Draws attention to differences
Narrative Role
Suggests alternative scenarios
Clarifies distinctions
Tone
Often subtler, indicates turn
Direct, clear in comparisons
Typical Context
Argumentative, debates
Analytical, comparative
Compare with Definitions
Contrarily
As an alternative perspective.
Contrarily, one could argue that the policy was effective.
Contrastingly
Serving to highlight differences.
Contrastingly, the new model features several major upgrades.
Contrarily
Acting opposite to something.
Contrarily to his earlier decision, he opted to stay.
Contrastingly
Used when comparing divergent elements.
Contrastingly, the two theories propose opposite outcomes.
Contrarily
In an opposing manner.
She acted contrarily, refusing to follow the advice given.
Contrastingly
Marking a distinct difference.
Contrastingly, his opinion was met with widespread agreement.
Contrarily
Differing from the expected.
Contrarily, the results showed no improvement.
Contrastingly
In a contrasting manner.
Contrastingly, her approach was more cautious and calculated.
Contrarily
In contradiction to.
Contrarily to popular belief, he was not the founder.
Contrastingly
Emphasizing divergence.
Contrastingly, the weather today is much cooler than yesterday.
Contrarily
Opposed, as in character or purpose
Contrary opinions.
Acts that are contrary to our code of ethics.
Contrastingly
To set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences
An essay that contrasts city and country life.
Contrasted this computer with inferior models.
Contrarily
Opposite in direction or position
Our boat took a course contrary to theirs.
Contrastingly
To show differences when compared
Siblings who contrast sharply in interests and abilities.
A color that contrasted clearly with the dark background.
Contrarily
(Music) Moving in the opposite direction at a fixed interval
Playing scales in contrary motion.
Contrastingly
(Linguistics) To evince a difference that can distinguish meaning
Voiced and voiceless stops contrast in English but not in Cree.
Contrarily
Adverse; unfavorable
A contrary wind.
Contrastingly
The act of contrasting; a setting off of dissimilar entities or objects.
Contrarily
(also kən-trârē) Given to recalcitrant behavior; willful or perverse.
Contrastingly
The state of being contrasted
Red berries standing in vivid contrast against the snow.
Contrarily
Something that is opposite or contrary.
Contrastingly
A difference, especially a strong dissimilarity, between entities or objects compared
The contrast between Northern and Southern speech patterns.
Contrarily
Either of two opposing or contrary things
"Truth is perhaps ... a dynamic compound of opposites, savage contraries for a moment conjoined" (A. Bartlett Giamatti).
Contrastingly
One thing that is strikingly dissimilar to another
My new school was a welcome contrast to the one before.
Contrarily
(Logic) A proposition related to another in such a way that if the latter is true, the former must be false, but if the latter is false, the former is not necessarily true.
Contrastingly
The use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art.
Contrarily
In an opposite direction or manner; counter
The judge ruled contrary to all precedent in the case.
Contrastingly
The difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of a picture, such as a photograph or video image.
Contrarily
In a contrary manner; in opposite ways or directions.
Contrastingly
(Linguistics) A difference between units, especially one that distinguishes meaning.
Contrarily
In a contrary manner; in opposition; on the other side; in opposite ways.
Contrastingly
In a contrasting manner; by way of contrast.
Contrarily
In a contrary disobedient manner
Contrastingly
In a contrasting manner;
Contrastingly, both the rooms leading off it gave an immediate impression of being disgraced
Contrarily
Contrary to expectations;
He didn't stay home; on the contrary, he went out with his friends
Common Curiosities
What is the primary use of "contrarily"?
"Contrarily" is used to introduce an opposing view or contradiction.
Can "contrarily" and "contrastingly" be used interchangeably?
While sometimes interchangeable, they serve different rhetorical purposes—opposition vs. distinction.
How does "contrastingly" differ in usage from "contrarily"?
"Contrastingly" is used to emphasize stark differences, not necessarily opposition.
What effect does "contrarily" have on the narrative?
It introduces a turn or twist, suggesting an alternative scenario or unexpected outcome.
Is "contrastingly" suitable for argumentative contexts?
Yes, especially when aiming to highlight clear differences in an argument.
In what type of writing is "contrastingly" most effectively used?
In comparative and analytical writing where clear distinctions are important.
How does "contrarily" impact the flow of discussion?
It can introduce a counterpoint, often leading to a deeper exploration of the topic.
What tone does "contrastingly" convey?
A direct and clear tone, useful for delineating obvious differences.
Which is more formal, "contrarily" or "contrastingly"?
Both can be used formally, but "contrastingly" may appear in more structured academic or analytical contexts.
What types of texts benefit most from "contrastingly"?
Texts that involve comparison of ideas, methods, or outcomes.
Can "contrarily" imply a conclusion?
It can hint at a conclusion that opposes what one might expect.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
