What is au contraire?

Au Contraire

Au contraire is a French phrase that translates literally to "on the contrary" or "to the contrary" in English. It's used to express disagreement or contradiction with a previous statement or idea. It's a relatively common phrase often used in English too, especially to add a touch of sophistication or playful irony.

• Meaning: Essentially, au contraire signals that what you're about to say is the opposite of what was just suggested. It can be a polite or humorous way to disagree.
• Usage: You can use it to introduce a contrasting viewpoint, to emphasize the opposite of something, or to gently correct someone. Its use often carries a nuance of "quite the opposite."
• Examples:
  • "You think he's unintelligent? Au contraire, he's one of the smartest people I know."
  • "She seems unhappy, but au contraire, she's thriving in her new job."
• Nuance: Be mindful of your tone when using au contraire. It can sound pretentious or sarcastic if not delivered carefully. Consider the context and your relationship with the person you're speaking to.

Important Subjects:

• Meaning of Au Contraire
• Usage of Au Contraire
• Examples of Au Contraire
• Nuance of Au Contraire