English > English |
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on the contrary |
1. prep. (conjunctive) opposite of what had earlier been expected or assumed |
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Analysis |
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on |
1. adj. In the state of being active, functioning or operating. |
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2. adj. Performing according to schedule. |
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Are we still on for tonight? |
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Is the show still on? |
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3. adj. (chiefly UK, informal, usually negative) Acceptable, appropriate. |
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the |
1. art. Definite grammatical article that implies necessarily that an entity it articulates is presupposed; something already mentioned, or completely specified later in that same sentence, or assumed already |
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I’m reading the book. (Compare I’m reading a book.) |
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The street in front of your house. (Compare A street in Paris.) |
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The men and women watched the man give the birdseed to the bird. |
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2. art. Used before a noun modified by a restrictive relative clause, indicating that the noun refers to a single referent defined by the relative clause. |
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contrary |
1. adj. Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse. |
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contrary winds |
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2. adj. Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent. |
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What may be "politically correct" could be contrary to the teachings of Jesus. |
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3. adj. Given to opposition; perverse; wayward. |
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