conversely

adverb

con·​verse·​ly kən-ˈvərs-lē 

ˈkän-ˌvərs-

: in a contrasting or opposite way

—used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

The jurors' decision not to ask to rehear the experts' testimony could be an indication that they accepted their opinions at face value or, conversely, that they were unimpressed.

—Manuel Roig-Franzia

If this active gene is a mutation that would otherwise have been recessive, it can lead to disease. Conversely, if the silenced gene is harmful in some way, imprinting can be beneficial.

—Michael Reilly

Synonyms

• again
• contrarily
• contrariwise

Examples of conversely in a Sentence

she cannot stand sugary food; conversely, her husband is fond of sweets

Recent Examples on the Web

An age limit, conversely, is unambiguous and not open to manipulation. —Ezekiel J. Emanuel, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2024

All of Rozier’s movies are filled with ordinary people who, with furious vitality, make extraordinary things happen; conversely, Rozier is passionately alert to the extraordinary energy and inventiveness that suffuses ordinary daily life. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2024

And conversely, how effective deficit reduction is at promoting growth depends on the details of how it’s done. —Dylan Matthews, Vox, 16 Aug. 2024

The European model, conversely, depicts consolidation of a storm center to the north of Cuba, which would allow a more northerly track offshore of the Eastern Seaboard. —Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 31 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1730, in the meaning defined above