Example: Contrary to expectations, the sun came out after the rain.
Definition
"Contrary to expectations" is a phrase used to describe a situation or outcome that is opposite or different from what was anticipated or predicted. It highlights an unexpected result that defies usual assumptions or hopes.
Translations
contra lo esperado
in tegenstelling tot de verwachtingen
contràriament a les expectatives
contrairement aux attentes
entgegen den Erwartungen
Etymology
The phrase "contrary to expectations" combines 'contrary,' derived from the Latin 'contrarius' meaning 'opposite,' with 'expectations,' which comes from the Latin 'expectare,' meaning 'to look out for' or 'await.' Together, they express the concept of something happening against what was awaited or predicted.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Contrary to expectations" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (B2) - set 1", containing 103 commonly used expressions.
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