(the) contrary and (the) opposite
I assume that both of them sound okay in the sentences below, but I am not entirely sure if there aren't shades of difference between them. So, what do you think?
- We all thought she was telling the truth but quite the opposite/contrary was true.
- I don't disagree - quite the contrary/opposite - I think you are absolutely right.
- "Was he angry?" "No, quite the opposite/contrary - he invited me to have dinner with him."
For some reason I have a preference for "the opposite".
Thank you.
Top answer
1. Contrary would typically be used here, although opposite is synonymous and can also be used. Opposite has an abrupt sound and doesn't flow smoothly off the tongue in speech.
- 1.
- Contrary would typically be used here, although opposite is synonymous and can also be used.
- Opposite has an abrupt sound and doesn't flow smoothly off the tongue in speech.
- 2.
- Contrary would typically be used here, although opposite is synonymous and can also be used.
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1. Contrary would typically be used here, although opposite is synonymous and can also be used. Opposite has an abrupt sound and doesn't flow smoothly off the tongue in speech.
2. Contrary would typically be used here, although opposite is synonymous and can also be used. Again, it is the harsher, more abrupt sound of opposite that makes it a second choice.
3. Opposi
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