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

Critics interpreted the Post’s move to stop endorsing presidential candidates as an attempt by Bezos to curry favor with Donald Trump — or, conversely, to avoid being attacked by Trump — in the event the former president wins a second term. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024

And conversely, psychiatrists may not feel comfortable prescribing birth control pills. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024

Some things that are easy to draw are not so easy to put into words, and conversely, some things are easy to write but much more complex to translate into an illustration. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 30 Sep. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1730, in the meaning defined above