contrariwise

Contrariwise

An unwieldy word which is synonymous with the phrases "on the other hand" and "on the contrary". Big, bulky words like this are used by pretentious people trying to impress others by showing they can use obscure words when an ordinary word or phrase is more suitable.

Contrariwise, variety is the spice of life. Why confine ourselves to using the tired and trite phrases when we can dust off a gem and reintroduce it to everyday usage? The use of less hackneyed words broadens the language and enriches us all.

Con"tra*ri*wise (? ∨ ), adv.

1.

On the contrary; oppositely; on the other hand.

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise, blessing. 1 Pet. iii. 9.

2.

In a contrary order; conversely.

Everything that acts upon the fluids must, at the same time, act upon the solids, and contrariwise. Arbuthnot.

 

© Webster 1913.