Usage Note
Contraire is used both as a noun (le contraire = the opposite) and as an adjective (un effet contraire = a contrary effect). The fixed phrase au contraire — meaning 'on the contrary' — is one of the most recognized French expressions in English. Bien au contraire adds extra emphasis.
Examples
"C'est le contraire de ce que j'ai dit."
Natural Translation
That is the opposite of what I said.
Related Words
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