Meaning
contrary to, unlike
- in a contrary or opposing manner; unlike what was expected (almost always 'contrariamente a')
In a sentence
Contrariamente alle previsioni del tempo, oggi c'è un sole splendido.
Contrary to the weather forecast, it is beautifully sunny today.
Contrariamente a suo fratello, Marco ama leggere e studiare lingue straniere.
Unlike his brother, Marco loves reading and studying foreign languages.
Ha agito contrariamente alle istruzioni esplicite che aveva ricevuto.
He acted contrary to the explicit instructions he had received.
Usage notes
- Regularly takes the preposition 'a': 'contrariamente a quanto previsto'.
- Equivalent to 'al contrario di', but slightly more formal.