to the contrary, Indicating the opposite of what has been stated or assumed.
contrary to popular belief, Opposite to what is commonly thought or believed.
Word Origin
Language
Latin
Original word
contrarius
Word parts
contra (against) + -arius (related to)
Originally meant
opposite, opposed
Background
The word 'contrary' comes from the Latin 'contrarius', which means 'opposite' or 'opposed'. It entered English in the Middle Ages, maintaining its sense of opposition or being against something.