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contrariamente a

C1 preposition 12 min read

contrariamente a

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips contrariamente a in 30 Seconds

Explanation contrariamente a in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to connect ideas. 'Contrariamente a' is a bit advanced for this stage, but you can think of it as a fancy way of saying 'not like'. Imagine you want to say something is different from what someone expected. Although you would usually just use 'mas' (but), knowing that 'contrariamente a' exists helps you understand formal signs or news snippets. At this level, focus on the fact that it shows a big difference between two things. For example, 'Contrariamente ao pai, o filho gosta de ler' means 'Unlike the father, the son likes to read.' It's a way to compare two people or things and show they are opposites in some way.

At the A2 level, you start using more prepositions. You should begin to notice that 'contrariamente a' always needs that 'a' at the end. You will also learn that this 'a' likes to join with words like 'o' (the) to become 'ao'. You might see this in simple news articles or formal letters. It's used to show that something happened in a way that was not expected. For example, if the weather forecast said it would rain, but it was sunny, you could say: 'Contrariamente à previsão, fez sol.' (Contrary to the forecast, it was sunny.) It's a step up from 'mas' and makes your Portuguese sound a little more organized and serious.

At the B1 level, you are becoming an independent user of the language. You should now be able to use 'contrariamente a' to explain your opinions in more detail. It's very useful for writing short essays or giving presentations. You can use it to contrast your own ideas with common myths. For example: 'Contrariamente ao que as pessoas pensam, aprender português não é impossível.' (Contrary to what people think, learning Portuguese is not impossible.) Notice the use of 'ao que' here—this is a key structure at this level. You are moving beyond simple person-to-person comparisons and starting to contrast whole ideas or beliefs.

At the B2 level, you should use 'contrariamente a' with confidence in formal writing and debates. You understand that it carries a specific 'register'—it's for professional and academic settings. You should be careful with the grammar, ensuring that you always use the correct contractions (ao, à, aos, às). At this stage, you can use it to highlight discrepancies in data or arguments. For instance, in a business report: 'Contrariamente aos resultados do trimestre passado, este mês tivemos um lucro recorde.' This shows you can handle complex logical links and maintain a consistent formal tone throughout your communication, which is a requirement for the B2 level.

At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'contrariamente a' naturally and precisely. You understand its stylistic value and use it to create sophisticated sentence structures. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'em oposição a' or 'diversamente de' based on the subtle nuances of the context. You use it to introduce counter-arguments in complex academic essays or to describe intricate social phenomena. You are also aware of how it can be used for rhetorical effect, placing it at the start of a sentence for emphasis or in the middle for a balanced contrast. Your mastery of this phrase demonstrates a deep understanding of Portuguese syntax and logic.

At the C2 level, 'contrariamente a' is just one tool in your extensive arsenal of connectors. You use it with absolute precision, often in highly specialized fields like law, philosophy, or advanced linguistics. You might use it to contrast historical interpretations or to critique complex theories. At this level, you also recognize its use in classical literature and can appreciate how authors have used it to subvert expectations. You can use it in a way that feels completely integrated into a native-like flow of speech or writing, showing that you don't just know the rule, but you have an intuitive feel for the 'soul' of the language and its formal structures.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

contrariamente a in 30 Seconds

A formal prepositional phrase meaning 'contrary to' or 'unlike', used to establish strong logical contrasts in high-level Portuguese writing and speech.
Mandatory use of the preposition 'a', which must contract with definite articles (ao, à, aos, às) following the phrase.
Commonly used in journalism, law, and academia to contrast facts with expectations, myths, or established norms and rules.
Acts as a sophisticated alternative to 'ao contrário de', signaling a more professional and precise register in communication.

The Portuguese prepositional phrase contrariamente a is a sophisticated linguistic tool used primarily to establish a direct contrast or opposition between two ideas, facts, or expectations. At its core, it translates to "contrary to" or "in opposition to" in English. While simpler phrases like "ao contrário de" exist, contrariamente a carries a higher degree of formality and precision, making it a staple in academic writing, legal documents, journalism, and high-level professional discourse. It functions as a connector that signals to the listener or reader that the information following it will deviate from what might be considered normal, expected, or previously mentioned.

Formal Logic: In logical argumentation, this phrase is used to introduce a counter-premise. It sets the stage for a refutation of a commonly held belief or a specific statement made by an opponent.
Statistical Deviation: When discussing data, researchers use it to highlight results that do not align with hypotheses or historical trends. For example, if the economy grows during a period where decline was predicted, this phrase bridges that gap.

A empresa decidiu expandir os seus investimentos, contrariamente a todas as expectativas do mercado financeiro atual.

The psychological weight of this phrase is significant. When a speaker uses contrariamente a, they are not just noting a difference; they are emphasizing a contradiction. It suggests a deliberate choice or an objective reality that defies a specific standard. In European Portuguese, the frequency of this phrase in news broadcasts is particularly high when reporters discuss government policies that go against public opinion or international treaties. In Brazilian Portuguese, while still formal, it is frequently found in legal briefs and sociological essays to contrast social behaviors with legislative intentions.

Contrariamente ao que se pensava, a vacina demonstrou uma eficácia superior nos grupos de risco mais elevados.

From a stylistic perspective, using this phrase demonstrates a mastery of the Portuguese language's connective tissue. It allows for the construction of complex, multi-layered sentences that maintain clarity despite their length. It is less about the "what" and more about the "how" of the relationship between two entities. If you are preparing for a C1 or C2 level exam, such as the CAPLE or CELPE-Bras, incorporating contrariamente a into your writing will signal to examiners that you possess the register necessary for academic or professional environments in the Lusophone world.

Expectation vs. Reality: This is the most common use case. It contrasts a preconceived notion with a factual outcome. It is often used to debunk myths or clarify misunderstandings in educational settings.

O autor argumenta que, contrariamente a outros historiadores, a revolução não foi impulsionada pela burguesia, mas sim pelo campesinato.

Historically, the phrase evolved from the Latin 'contrarius', which implies being opposite or facing. In the development of Romance languages, the adverbial form 'contrariamente' combined with the preposition 'a' to create a fixed syntactical unit that specifically targets the object of opposition. This specificity is what distinguishes it from simple conjunctions like 'mas' (but) or 'porém' (however), which provide contrast but do not explicitly link it to a specific noun or concept in the same grammatical way.

Using contrariamente a correctly requires careful attention to the grammatical structure of the sentence, particularly the objects that follow the preposition. Because it is a prepositional phrase, it must be followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a substantive clause. It cannot directly precede a conjugated verb unless that verb is part of a relative clause introduced by 'o que'. This nuance is what often separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers of Portuguese.

The 'O Que' Construction: When you want to contrast an entire idea or a previously stated fact, you use 'contrariamente ao que'. The 'ao' is the contraction of 'a' + 'o' (the neutral demonstrative). Example: 'Contrariamente ao que ele disse...' (Contrary to what he said...).

Contrariamente ao que muitos acreditam, o português não é apenas falado em Portugal e no Brasil.

Placement within the sentence is flexible but carries different rhetorical weights. When placed at the beginning of a sentence, it sets a strong tone of opposition and prepares the reader for a corrective statement. This is very common in journalism. When placed in the middle of a sentence, often set off by commas, it acts as a parenthetical clarification, providing a more nuanced contrast without interrupting the main flow of the sentence too abruptly.

As negociações prosseguiram, contrariamente às previsões iniciais de um impasse total entre as partes.

One of the most critical aspects of using this phrase is the mandatory contraction. If the following noun is feminine and definite, 'a' + 'as' becomes 'às'. If it is masculine and definite, 'a' + 'o' becomes 'ao'. Failure to contract is a common error for English speakers, as English does not have this requirement. For example, saying 'contrariamente a o previsto' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'contrariamente ao previsto'.

Usage with Pronouns: When followed by personal pronouns, the 'a' remains separate. 'Contrariamente a mim, ele prefere o frio.' (Contrary to me, he prefers the cold.) Note that 'mim' is used after prepositions, not 'eu'.

Contrariamente a ti, eu não suporto acordar cedo durante o fim de semana.

In academic contexts, contrariamente a is often paired with abstract nouns like 'tendência' (tendency), 'expectativa' (expectation), 'norma' (norm), or 'lei' (law). This creates a highly professional tone. It is also used to contrast different methodologies. For instance, 'Contrariamente à abordagem qualitativa, este estudo foca-se em dados numéricos.' (Contrary to the qualitative approach, this study focuses on numerical data.) This level of precision is essential for clear scientific communication.

O projeto foi aprovado, contrariamente ao que o conselho de administração tinha sugerido inicialmente.

Finally, consider the rhythm of the sentence. Because contrariamente a is a multi-syllabic phrase, it creates a pause. This pause can be used strategically to draw attention to the contrast. If the contrast is minor or meant to be mentioned quickly, a shorter alternative like 'ao invés de' might be more appropriate. However, for significant, formal contradictions, contrariamente a remains the gold standard.

While you might not hear contrariamente a in a casual conversation over coffee or at a football match, it is omnipresent in more structured environments. If you tune into Portuguese or Brazilian news channels like RTP, SIC, or GloboNews, you will hear it used by anchors and commentators discussing political developments. It is the language of debate and analysis. For example, a political analyst might say, "Contrariamente às promessas de campanha, o governo aumentou os impostos," highlighting a breach of trust or a shift in policy.

The Legal Sphere: In courts and legal documents, this phrase is used to argue that an action was taken in violation of a law or a contract. Lawyers use it to point out discrepancies in witness testimony.
Documentaries and Educational Content: Narrators in science or history documentaries use it to introduce surprising facts that challenge common knowledge. It creates a sense of intellectual discovery.

Contrariamente a muitos predadores de topo, esta espécie prefere caçar em grupos organizados.

In the world of business and corporate leadership, contrariamente a is used during shareholder meetings or annual reports to explain strategic pivots. If a company performs well during a recession, the CEO might state that the results were achieved "contrariamente à tendência negativa do setor." This frames the company's success as an exceptional feat. It is also common in formal interviews when a candidate wants to distinguish their own philosophy from a standard practice in their field.

O tribunal decidiu que, contrariamente ao alegado pela defesa, havia provas suficientes para a condenação.

Literature is another rich source. Authors use it to describe character traits that defy social expectations. A novelist might write about a protagonist who, "contrariamente às convenções da época," decided to pursue an unconventional career. Here, the phrase serves to build character and set the social stakes of the narrative. In poetry, though less common due to its length, it can be used to create a rhythmic contrast between the ideal and the real.

News Headlines: Headline writers love this phrase because it immediately signals conflict or a surprising turn of events, which attracts readers' attention in a crowded media landscape.

Contrariamente ao habitual, a cerimónia de entrega de prémios decorreu sem qualquer incidente polémico.

In summary, contrariamente a is the language of the 'informed observer'. It is used by those who have analyzed a situation and found a discrepancy worth noting. Whether you are listening to a podcast about philosophy or reading an editorial in 'Público' or 'Folha de S. Paulo', being able to identify and understand the implications of this phrase is a key component of high-level Portuguese comprehension.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with contrariamente a is using the wrong preposition. English speakers often try to translate "contrary from" or "contrary with" directly, leading to incorrect phrases like "contrariamente de" or "contrariamente com". In Portuguese, the relationship is strictly governed by the preposition a. This is a non-negotiable rule of regency (regência preposicional).

The 'De' Trap: Many learners confuse this with 'ao contrário de'. While 'ao contrário' takes 'de', 'contrariamente' takes 'a'. Mixing them up (e.g., 'contrariamente de') is a sign of intermediate interference.
Missing Crase: When following with a feminine noun, learners often forget the 'crase' (the accent indicating the fusion of two 'a's). It must be 'contrariamente à regra', not 'contrariamente a regra'.

Errado: Contrariamente de que pensas...
Correto: Contrariamente ao que pensas...

Another common pitfall is the misuse of register. Using contrariamente a in a very informal setting, like telling a friend they are wrong about a pizza topping, can sound overly stiff or even sarcastic. For instance, saying "Contrariamente à tua opinião, eu acho que ananás fica bem na pizza" might be seen as humorously formal or unnecessarily pedantic. In these cases, "ao contrário de ti" or simply "mas" would be more natural.

Errado: Contrariamente a o meu irmão...
Correto: Contrariamente ao meu irmão...

A subtle mistake involves the use of 'contrariamente a' versus 'em vez de' (instead of). While they both imply an alternative, 'em vez de' focuses on substitution, whereas 'contrariamente a' focuses on contradiction. If you say "Contrariamente a ir ao cinema, fui ao parque," it implies that going to the cinema was expected or planned, but you did the opposite. If you just mean you chose one over the other, "em vez de" is the better choice.

The 'Que' Omission: When contrasting an entire clause, you must include 'ao que'. 'Contrariamente ele disse' is incorrect. It must be 'Contrariamente ao que ele disse'.

Errado: Contrariamente às ele esperava...
Correto: Contrariamente ao que ele esperava...

Lastly, ensure that the comparison is logical. You must contrast like with like. "Contrariamente ao livro, o autor é alto" is a non-sequitur. You should contrast the book with another book, or the author's opinion with another opinion. Logical consistency is paramount when using such a precise logical connector.

Portuguese offers several ways to express contrast, and choosing the right one depends on the register and the specific nuance you wish to convey. While contrariamente a is high-level and formal, other options might be more suitable for everyday speech or different types of logical links.

Ao contrário de: This is the most direct synonym. It is slightly less formal than 'contrariamente a' and is extremely common in both spoken and written Portuguese. It takes the preposition 'de'. Usage: 'Ao contrário de ti, eu gosto de café.'
Diferentemente de: This focuses on difference rather than direct opposition. It is neutral in register and very useful when you want to highlight a variation without implying a total contradiction. Usage: 'Diferentemente do ano passado, este ano tivemos muita chuva.'

Enquanto contrariamente a sugere um conflito de ideias, diversamente de sugere apenas uma variedade de opções.

Another alternative is em oposição a. This is very strong and often used in political or social contexts to indicate a stance against something. It is even more formal than contrariamente a and carries a weight of active resistance or structural contrast. For example, "O sindicato manifestou-se em oposição à nova lei laboral." This implies a more active conflict than just a difference in opinion.

Em contrapartida, esta expressão é usada para equilibrar uma desvantagem com uma vantagem, não necessariamente para indicar uma contradição direta.

For simple conjunctions, you have 'mas', 'porém', 'todavia', and 'contudo'. These are used to link two independent clauses rather than a preposition and an object. 'Mas' is the most common. 'Todavia' and 'contudo' are more formal and provide a more sophisticated rhythm to your sentences. They are great for writing essays where you want to show contrast between two full thoughts.

Pelo contrário: This is an adverbial phrase used to start a sentence that completely reverses the previous statement. It's like saying 'On the contrary' in English. It doesn't take an object like 'contrariamente a' does.

Ele não está zangado. Pelo contrário, ele parece estar muito satisfeito com o resultado.

In summary, while contrariamente a is your best bet for formal, direct contradiction of a specific noun or idea, don't forget the nuances of 'ao contrário de' for general use, 'diferentemente de' for simple differences, and 'em oposição a' for strong, active stances. Mastering these variations will make your Portuguese sound more natural and precise across all levels of communication.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-mente' actually comes from the Latin word 'mens/mentis' (mind). So, 'contrariamente' literally meant 'with a contrary mind' in its earliest Romance form.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kõ.tɾa.ɾja.ˈmẽ.tɨ ɐ/

US /kõ.tɾa.ɾja.ˈmẽ.tʃi a/

The primary stress is on the syllable 'mẽ' in 'contrariamente'.

Rhymes With

infelizmente a certamente a claramente a rapidamente a possivelmente a totalmente a naturalmente a exatamente a

Common Errors

Pronouncing the nasal 'õ' like a regular 'o' followed by 'n'. It should be one nasal sound.
Failing to pronounce the 'r' as a tap, making it sound like an English 'r'.
Over-emphasizing the 'a' at the end instead of letting it flow into the following word.
Forgetting the nasalization in 'mẽ'.
In Portugal, pronouncing the final 'e' of 'mente' too clearly like 'ay'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

Requires understanding of formal context and ability to track complex contrasts.

Writing 8/5

Learners must master prepositional contractions and choose the correct register.

Speaking 6/5

Pronouncing the long word and the contraction correctly in flow can be tricky.

Listening 7/5

Often spoken quickly in news, where the contraction 'ao' or 'à' might be subtle.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

contrário mas embora previsão expectativa

Learn Next

não obstante conquanto todavia porquanto visto que

Advanced

em detrimento de em conformidade com à revelia de sob a égide de em virtude de

Grammar to Know

Crase (Contraction of 'a' + 'a')

Contrariamente à (a+a) regra.

Prepositional Regency

Adverbs ending in '-mente' often inherit the regency of the corresponding adjective (Contrário a -> Contrariamente a).

Subordinate Clauses with 'ao que'

Contrariamente ao que (demonstrative pronoun + relative pronoun) ele disse.

Pronoun Case after Prepositions

Use 'mim' or 'ti' instead of 'eu' or 'tu' (Contrariamente a mim).

Punctuation with Parenthetical Phrases

O evento, contrariamente ao previsto, foi um sucesso (Use commas when in the middle of a sentence).

Examples by Level

Contrariamente ao irmão, ele é alto.

Contrary to his brother, he is tall.

Uses 'ao' because 'irmão' is masculine singular.

Contrariamente à mãe, ela gosta de gatos.

Unlike her mother, she likes cats.

Uses 'à' because 'mãe' is feminine singular.

Contrariamente a mim, tu falas muito.

Contrary to me, you talk a lot.

No contraction with the pronoun 'mim'.

Contrariamente ao café, o chá é frio.

Contrary to the coffee, the tea is cold.

Simple noun comparison.

Contrariamente ao esperado, o filme é bom.

Contrary to what was expected, the movie is good.

'Esperado' acts as a noun here.

Contrariamente a ti, eu não como carne.

Contrary to you, I don't eat meat.

Pronoun 'ti' follows the preposition.

Contrariamente ao sol, a lua brilha à noite.

Contrary to the sun, the moon shines at night.

Contrasting two celestial bodies.

Contrariamente aos cães, os gatos são calmos.

Contrary to dogs, cats are calm.

Plural contraction 'aos'.

Contrariamente à previsão do tempo, hoje não choveu.

Contrary to the weather forecast, it didn't rain today.

Contracted 'à' with feminine 'previsão'.

Contrariamente ao habitual, ele chegou cedo.

Contrary to what is usual, he arrived early.

'O habitual' is a common fixed expression.

Contrariamente às ordens, os soldados pararam.

Contrary to orders, the soldiers stopped.

Plural feminine contraction 'às'.

Contrariamente ao que disse, ele não veio.

Contrary to what he said, he didn't come.

Introduction of the 'ao que' clause.

Contrariamente à vontade dos pais, ele viajou.

Contrary to his parents' will, he traveled.

Possessive relationship 'vontade dos pais'.

Contrariamente ao plano, perdemos o autocarro.

Contrary to the plan, we missed the bus.

Direct contrast with a noun.

Contrariamente à maioria, eu prefiro o inverno.

Contrary to the majority, I prefer winter.

Contrasting individual vs. group.

Contrariamente ao prometido, o preço subiu.

Contrary to what was promised, the price went up.

'O prometido' functions as the object.

Contrariamente ao que muitos pensam, o deserto pode ser frio.

Contrary to what many think, the desert can be cold.

Used to debunk a common misconception.

Contrariamente à opinião pública, o projeto foi aprovado.

Contrary to public opinion, the project was approved.

Formal political context.

Contrariamente ao seu antecessor, o novo diretor é muito acessível.

Contrary to his predecessor, the new director is very accessible.

Comparing two people in a formal role.

Contrariamente às expectativas, a economia cresceu este ano.

Contrary to expectations, the economy grew this year.

Standard phrase in economic reporting.

Contrariamente ao que foi acordado, o contrato não foi assinado.

Contrary to what was agreed, the contract was not signed.

Passive voice within the 'ao que' clause.

Contrariamente à crença popular, os touros não odeiam o vermelho.

Contrary to popular belief, bulls do not hate red.

Scientific/Educational contrast.

Contrariamente ao que se esperava, a festa foi muito calma.

Contrary to what was expected, the party was very quiet.

Impersonal 'se' in the subordinate clause.

Contrariamente à lógica, ele decidiu desistir do emprego.

Contrary to logic, he decided to quit his job.

Abstract noun contrast.

Contrariamente ao disposto na lei, o réu não foi informado dos seus direitos.

Contrary to what is provided for in the law, the defendant was not informed of his rights.

Legal terminology 'disposto na lei'.

Contrariamente às tendências mundiais, o consumo de carvão aumentou naquela região.

Contrary to global trends, coal consumption increased in that region.

Sociological/Environmental context.

Contrariamente ao que sucede em outros países, aqui o voto é obrigatório.

Contrary to what happens in other countries, here voting is mandatory.

Use of 'suceder' (to happen) in formal text.

Contrariamente à percepção geral, a criminalidade diminuiu nos últimos anos.

Contrary to general perception, crime has decreased in recent years.

Contrasting perception vs. statistics.

Contrariamente ao que a crítica afirmou, o livro tornou-se um sucesso de vendas.

Contrary to what the critics stated, the book became a bestseller.

Contrast in the cultural/literary field.

Contrariamente à abordagem tradicional, este método foca-se na prática imediata.

Contrary to the traditional approach, this method focuses on immediate practice.

Academic/Methodological contrast.

Contrariamente ao habitual rigor, o relatório apresentava várias lacunas graves.

Contrary to the usual rigor, the report presented several serious gaps.

Professional critique.

Contrariamente às previsões mais pessimistas, o paciente recuperou totalmente.

Contrary to the most pessimistic predictions, the patient fully recovered.

Medical context.

Contrariamente à tese defendida pelo autor, os dados sugerem uma conclusão oposta.

Contrary to the thesis defended by the author, the data suggest an opposite conclusion.

High-level academic argumentation.

Contrariamente ao que a hermenêutica clássica propõe, esta nova leitura revela nuances ocultas.

Contrary to what classical hermeneutics proposes, this new reading reveals hidden nuances.

Specialized philosophical vocabulary.

Contrariamente à rigidez das instituições, a sociedade civil demonstrou uma enorme flexibilidade.

Contrary to the rigidity of institutions, civil society demonstrated enormous flexibility.

Sociopolitical analysis.

Contrariamente ao preconizado nas diretrizes europeias, o país manteve a sua política monetária.

Contrary to what was recommended in the European guidelines, the country maintained its monetary policy.

Diplomatic and economic register.

Contrariamente às normas gramaticais estritas, o autor utiliza coloquialismos para conferir realismo.

Contrary to strict grammatical norms, the author uses colloquialisms to provide realism.

Literary analysis.

Contrariamente ao postulado pela física clássica, estas partículas comportam-se de forma errática.

Contrary to what is postulated by classical physics, these particles behave erratically.

Scientific discourse.

Contrariamente ao senso comum, a inflação nem sempre resulta de um excesso de moeda.

Contrary to common sense, inflation does not always result from an excess of currency.

Challenging widespread beliefs with technical facts.

Contrariamente à narrativa oficial, os documentos desclassificados contam uma história diferente.

Contrary to the official narrative, the declassified documents tell a different story.

Investigative/Historical register.

Contrariamente à ontologia substancialista, o filósofo propõe uma visão processual da realidade.

Contrary to substantialist ontology, the philosopher proposes a processual view of reality.

Extremely specialized academic register.

Contrariamente ao que a vulgata historiográfica faz crer, o evento não foi fruto do acaso.

Contrary to what the historiographical vulgate suggests, the event was not the result of chance.

Use of 'vulgata' to mean a commonly accepted but simplified version.

Contrariamente à aparente simplicidade da obra, subjaz uma complexidade estrutural profunda.

Contrary to the apparent simplicity of the work, there lies a deep structural complexity.

Art criticism with advanced syntax.

Contrariamente ao dogma da infalibilidade técnica, o sistema colapsou sob pressão moderada.

Contrary to the dogma of technical infallibility, the system collapsed under moderate pressure.

Sophisticated metaphor and technical critique.

Contrariamente à natureza efémera das modas, este estilo perdura há décadas.

Contrary to the ephemeral nature of fashions, this style has endured for decades.

Nuanced contrast of time and quality.

Contrariamente ao que a análise superficial indicaria, as causas da crise são endógenas.

Contrary to what superficial analysis would indicate, the causes of the crisis are endogenous.

Scientific/Economic precision.

Contrariamente à retórica belicista, as ações diplomáticas continuam nos bastidores.

Contrary to the warmongering rhetoric, diplomatic actions continue behind the scenes.

Political nuance and high-level vocabulary.

Contrariamente ao paradigma vigente, esta investigação abre novos horizontes epistemológicos.

Contrary to the current paradigm, this research opens new epistemological horizons.

Advanced academic/scientific register.

Synonyms

ao contrário de diversamente de em oposição a em sentido contrário a ao invés de diferentemente de em contraste com em desarmonia com

Antonyms

de acordo com conforme segundo em conformidade com

Common Collocations

contrariamente ao esperado

contrariamente ao previsto

contrariamente ao que se pensa

contrariamente à lei

contrariamente à vontade

contrariamente à tendência

contrariamente à lógica

contrariamente à expectativa

contrariamente às ordens

contrariamente ao habitual

Common Phrases

contrariamente ao que disse

— Used to point out a lie or a change in someone's statement. It highlights a contradiction in speech.

Contrariamente ao que disse ontem, hoje ele nega tudo.

contrariamente à maioria

— Used to describe someone who goes against the grain or has a minority opinion.

Contrariamente à maioria, eu acho que o livro é melhor que o filme.

contrariamente ao bom senso

— Used to criticize an action that seems irrational or foolish.

Sair sem casaco no gelo é agir contrariamente ao bom senso.

contrariamente às evidências

— Used when someone refuses to accept the facts presented to them.

Ele continua a acreditar em conspirações, contrariamente às evidências científicas.

contrariamente ao meu conselho

— Used to express that someone ignored your warning or recommendation.

Contrariamente ao meu conselho, ele investiu todo o dinheiro em ações arriscadas.

contrariamente ao que se crê

— A more formal version of 'contrary to what people think', often used in essays.

Contrariamente ao que se crê, a Idade Média não foi apenas um período de trevas.

contrariamente à tradição

— Used to describe a break from long-standing customs or rituals.

A noiva vestiu-se de azul, contrariamente à tradição do vestido branco.

contrariamente ao espírito da lei

— A legal/philosophical phrase meaning something follows the letter of the law but violates its intent.

A decisão foi legal, mas agiu contrariamente ao espírito da lei.

contrariamente ao que sucede

— A very formal way to compare the current situation with another one.

Contrariamente ao que sucede em França, em Portugal o pão é diferente.

contrariamente à norma

— Used to describe something that is an exception to the rule.

Este caso é especial, contrariamente à norma estabelecida pelo conselho.

Often Confused With

contrariamente a vs ao contrário de

Often used interchangeably, but 'ao contrário de' is less formal and takes 'de' instead of 'a'.

contrariamente a vs ao invés de

Technically means 'the opposite of', but is frequently used to mean 'instead of'. 'Contrariamente a' is more strictly about contradiction.

contrariamente a vs em vez de

Means 'instead of' (substitution). 'Contrariamente a' means 'contrary to' (opposition).

Idioms & Expressions

"nadar contra a maré"

— To act 'contrariamente a' popular opinion or social trends. It means to struggle against the majority.

Ele sempre tentou nadar contra a maré nas suas opiniões políticas.

informal/neutral

"ir contra a corrente"

— Similar to 'nadar contra a maré', it means to behave or think differently from everyone else.

Contrariamente aos seus amigos, ele decidiu ir contra a corrente e não comprar um carro.

neutral

"virar o bico ao prego"

— To change one's mind or act in total opposition to what was previously said or done.

Depois de prometer apoio, ele virou o bico ao prego, contrariamente ao esperado.

informal (Portugal)

"bater de frente"

— To directly confront or oppose something or someone in a strong way.

Ele decidiu bater de frente com a administração, contrariamente aos conselhos dos colegas.

informal (Brazil)

"dar o dito pelo não dito"

— To retract a statement, effectively acting contrarily to what was just stated.

Ele deu o dito pelo não dito e mudou a sua versão dos factos.

neutral

"chover no molhado"

— To do something that is redundant or contrary to the need for efficiency.

Tentar explicar-lhe isso é chover no molhado, pois ele age contrariamente a qualquer lógica.

informal

"fazer ouvidos moucos"

— To ignore someone, acting contrarily to their advice or requests.

Contrariamente aos meus pedidos, ele fez ouvidos moucos e saiu.

neutral

"meter os pés pelas mãos"

— To get confused and do the opposite of what is correct or intended.

Ele tentou ajudar, mas acabou por meter os pés pelas mãos.

informal

"pregar no deserto"

— To advocate for something that everyone else opposes or ignores.

Defender a ecologia naquela empresa era como pregar no deserto.

neutral

"trocar as voltas"

— To confuse someone by doing something contrary to what they expected.

Ele trocou-me as voltas ao aparecer sem avisar.

informal

Easily Confused

contrariamente a vs contradição

Both deal with opposites.

'Contradição' is a noun (a contradiction), while 'contrariamente a' is a prepositional phrase used to link ideas.

Houve uma contradição no seu discurso, pois ele agiu contrariamente ao que disse.

contrariamente a vs contrariado

Similar root.

'Contrariado' is an adjective meaning annoyed or upset because things didn't go your way.

Ele ficou contrariado porque teve de agir contrariamente à sua vontade.

contrariamente a vs enquanto

Both can show contrast.

'Enquanto' means 'while' and compares two simultaneous actions. 'Contrariamente a' compares a fact with an expectation.

Enquanto ele estuda, eu descanso; contrariamente ao que a minha mãe pensa, eu também trabalho.

contrariamente a vs apesar de

Both introduce a surprising second part of a sentence.

'Apesar de' means 'despite' (concession). 'Contrariamente a' means 'contrary to' (opposition).

Apesar da chuva, fomos passear (it rained, but we went). Contrariamente à previsão, não choveu (they said it would rain, but it didn't).

contrariamente a vs diversamente

Both mean 'differently'.

'Diversamente' is more about variety and less about direct contradiction than 'contrariamente'.

Eles pensam diversamente sobre o assunto, mas ninguém agiu contrariamente às regras.

Sentence Patterns

Contrariamente a [Person], [Subject] [Verb].

Contrariamente ao Pedro, a Maria estuda muito.

Contrariamente ao [Noun], [Main Clause].

Contrariamente ao tempo, o mar está calmo.

Contrariamente ao que [Verb], [Main Clause].

Contrariamente ao que parece, eu estou feliz.

[Clause], contrariamente à [Abstract Noun].

Ele viajou sozinho, contrariamente à recomendação médica.

Contrariamente ao disposto em [Document], [Clause].

Contrariamente ao disposto no contrato, os pagamentos atrasaram.

Contrariamente à tese de que [Clause], [Counter-thesis].

Contrariamente à tese de que o mercado é estável, vemos oscilações constantes.

Contrariamente àquilo que a [Subject] preconiza, [Clause].

Contrariamente àquilo que a ciência oficial preconiza, existem fenómenos inexplicáveis.

Contrariamente ao cariz [Adjective] de [Noun], [Subject] [Verb].

Contrariamente ao cariz efémero da política, a cultura permanece.

Word Family

Nouns

contrário (the opposite)

contrariedade (annoyance/setback)

contradição (contradiction)

contraparte (counterpart)

Verbs

contrariar (to contradict/to annoy)

contradizer (to contradict)

contrapor (to counterpose)

Adjectives

contrário (contrary/opposite)

contraditório (contradictory)

contrariado (annoyed/upset)

contraste

contraponto

contramão

contra-ataque

controvérsia

How to Use It

frequency

High in written formal Portuguese; Medium-Low in casual spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Contrariamente de você... → Contrariamente a você...
The adverb 'contrariamente' governs the preposition 'a', not 'de'.
Contrariamente a expectativa... → Contrariamente à expectativa...
You must use the crase (à) because 'expectativa' is a feminine noun that requires a definite article.
Contrariamente o que ele disse... → Contrariamente ao que ele disse...
When contrasting a clause, you need the neutral demonstrative 'o', which contracts with 'a' to become 'ao'.
Contrariamente a eu, ele é rico. → Contrariamente a mim, ele é rico.
Subject pronouns (eu, tu) cannot be used after prepositions. Use object pronouns (mim, ti).
Contrariamente a o previsto... → Contrariamente ao previsto...
The preposition 'a' and the article 'o' must always contract in Portuguese.

Tips

Master the Contractions

The most important rule is: a + o = ao, a + a = à, a + os = aos, a + as = às. Never forget this when using 'contrariamente a' with definite nouns.

Use for Academic Impact

In essays, use this phrase to show you are engaging with existing literature. 'Contrariamente à tese de Silva (2020)...' immediately elevates your writing level.

Watch the Nasal Vowels

Portuguese nasals (õ,ẽ) are key. In 'contrariamente', focus on making the 'con' and 'men' sound through your nose to sound more native.

Portugal vs Brazil

In Portugal, you'll hear the 'e' in 'mente' as a very short 'uh' sound. In Brazil, it sounds like 'chee'. Both are correct in their respective regions.

Synonym Variety

Don't repeat 'contrariamente a' too much. Mix it up with 'ao contrário de' or 'em oposição a' to keep your text interesting.

Ensure Direct Contrast

Make sure the two things you are comparing are actually comparable. Don't compare a person's height with a person's opinion.

Spot the 'Ao Que'

When you see 'contrariamente ao que', expect a full explanation of an idea or a myth that is about to be debunked.

Legal Precision

If you work in law, this phrase is essential for pointing out when a contract or law has been violated ('contrariamente ao disposto').

News Signal

When a news anchor says 'Contrariamente...', pay close attention. They are about to give you the most surprising or controversial part of the report.

No 'De' Allowed

Remind yourself: 'Contrariamente' takes 'A'. 'Ao contrário' takes 'DE'. Thinking of them as a pair of opposites can help you remember.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Contrary Mary'. She does everything 'contrariamente a' what she is told. The 'a' at the end is like an arrow pointing to the person she is annoying.

Visual Association

Visualize a magnet. Two North poles pushing away from each other. They are 'contrariamente a' one another—they cannot be together.

Word Web

oposição diferença conflito contraste antónimo reverso avesso negativo

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about yourself using 'contrariamente a'. Contrast your personality with a family member, your habits with a friend, and your tastes with the majority of people.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'contrarius', meaning 'opposite' or 'facing', which comes from 'contra' (against). The suffix '-mente' was added in Romance languages to create adverbs from adjectives.

Original meaning: Being in a position that faces or opposes something else.

Romance (Latin branch).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but using this phrase to dismiss someone's lived experience in a casual setting can come across as cold or overly clinical.

English speakers often use 'unlike' for almost everything. In Portuguese, 'contrariamente a' is more specific and formal than 'unlike'.

Used frequently in the editorials of 'Público' (Portugal) to critique government policy. Appears in the works of José Saramago to set up his characteristic philosophical contrasts. A common phrase in the 1988 Brazilian Constitution to define legal exceptions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

Contrariamente à hipótese inicial
Contrariamente aos estudos anteriores
Contrariamente ao paradigma vigente
Contrariamente à tese do autor

News & Media

Contrariamente às promessas eleitorais
Contrariamente à tendência de mercado
Contrariamente ao que foi noticiado
Contrariamente à opinião dos especialistas

Legal Documents

Contrariamente ao preceituado na lei
Contrariamente ao depoimento da testemunha
Contrariamente aos termos do contrato
Contrariamente à jurisprudência firmada

Professional Feedback

Contrariamente ao seu desempenho habitual
Contrariamente às instruções dadas
Contrariamente ao que foi discutido na reunião
Contrariamente aos objetivos da empresa

Debates & Discussions

Contrariamente ao que o meu colega afirmou
Contrariamente à lógica desse argumento
Contrariamente aos factos apresentados
Contrariamente à sua visão das coisas

Conversation Starters

"Contrariamente ao que a maioria das pessoas pensa sobre este assunto, eu acredito que..."

"Já alguma vez fizeste algo contrariamente ao conselho de todos e tiveste sucesso?"

"Contrariamente ao que se diz nas notícias, achas que a situação está a melhorar?"

"Contrariamente à tua primeira impressão sobre esta cidade, o que pensas dela agora?"

"Achas que é importante agir contrariamente às expectativas sociais às vezes?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre uma situação em que agiste contrariamente à tua própria vontade para ajudar alguém.

Descreve um momento em que o resultado de um projeto foi positivo, contrariamente a todas as previsões pessimistas.

Reflete sobre uma crença que tinhas e que mudou contrariamente ao que os teus pais te ensinaram.

Analisa uma decisão política recente que foi tomada contrariamente à opinião pública.

Como te sentes quando alguém age contrariamente ao que prometeu fazer?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. In Portuguese, the adverb 'contrariamente' always requires the preposition 'a'. If you want to use 'de', you must use the phrase 'ao contrário de'.

Yes, but it is mostly found in formal writing, legal contexts, and formal news. In daily speech, Brazilians are much more likely to say 'ao contrário de' or 'diferente de'.

You use the 'crase' whenever 'contrariamente a' is followed by a feminine singular noun that takes a definite article. For example: 'contrariamente à lei' (a + a lei).

'Contrariamente a' is more formal and emphasizes logical contradiction. 'Ao invés de' is often used as 'instead of' (substitution), though purists argue it should only be used for direct opposites (like up vs down).

Yes, and it is very common in journalism to do so. It sets a strong tone of contrast for the rest of the sentence. Example: 'Contrariamente ao que se esperava, a taxa de juro não subiu.'

You cannot follow it directly with a conjugated verb. You must use the 'ao que' construction. Example: 'Contrariamente ao que eu previa...' (Contrary to what I predicted...).

The correct form is 'contrariamente a mim'. After prepositions, you must use the stressed object pronouns (mim, ti, ele, ela, nós, vós, eles, elas).

It depends on the company culture. In a formal corporate environment, it's fine. In a startup, it might sound a bit stiff. 'Ao contrário do que combinámos' might be better.

The phrase itself is invariable, but the preposition 'a' must contract with the plural articles 'os' or 'as' to become 'aos' or 'às'.

No. While it might introduce a negative contrast, it does not mean 'unfortunately'. For that, use 'infelizmente'.