Contrariwise
/ˌkɒn.trəˈraɪ.wʌɪz/noun
In a contrary, opposite, or reverse manner.
Did you know?The ending “-wise” originally meant “in the manner of,” so contrariwise does not mean “wise in opposition”; it means “in an opposite way.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wer- / *wert-
“To turn, bend, or change direction; the deeper source associated with Latin contra and its oppositional sense.”
Classical Latin
Latin
contrā
“Against, opposite, or on the other side.”
Classical Latin
Latin
contrārius
“Opposite, contrary, or opposed; formed from contrā.”
Old French
Old French
contraire
“Contrary or opposite, from Latin contrārius.”
Old English
Old English
wīse
“Manner, fashion, or way; the source of the English suffix “-wise.””
14th Century
Middle English
contrarywise
“In a contrary or opposite manner.”
Modern English
English
contrariwise
“In an opposite, contrasting, or reverse way.”