contrary attitudes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary attitudes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe differing or opposing viewpoints or feelings about a particular subject or situation. Example: "The team struggled to reach a consensus due to the contrary attitudes of its members regarding the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For much of the 20th century, however, woodcuts, linocuts, lithographs, silk-screens and other forms of mechanical reproduction were popular, pragmatic vehicles for socially contrary attitudes.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In particular, Khan scrutinises her contrary attitude towards wedlock.

The Guardian - Music

Rather, she adopted a contrary attitude towards critics eager to pigeonhole – or at least understand – her exclusively with those terms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Shareholders berated club directors from the moment of their arrival, with the Rangers chairman, David Somers, causing particular acrimony with his contrary attitude towards questions from the audience.

The Guardian - Sport

If someone held a contrary attitude, the correction not only didn't work — it made the subject more distrustful of the source.

The New Yorker

"On the contrary, the attitude in America was: You have children, that's great.

The New York Times

His case split the overwhelmingly Catholic nation but the local church defended its decision to deny him a Catholic funeral, arguing that allowing it would have legitimised attitudes contrary to God's law.

The Guardian

On the contrary, as social attitudes and other corporations' policies on the subject of gay rights have changed drastically, Exxon Mobil has moved steadily further from the mainstream, even within the energy sector.

The New York Times

On the contrary, adolescents' competitive attitudes were linked with higher odds of alcohol use as well similar to previous studies on the link between competitiveness/hostility/Type A behaviour and health risk behaviours [ 4].

BMC Public Health

And contrary to my attitude toward its presence in most other wines, I like oak in Rioja.

The New York Times - Food

Second (and contrary to my attitude when my friends and I started our little campaign), Kickstarter isn't for handouts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary attitudes", ensure the context clearly defines what those attitudes are in opposition to. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary attitudes" without specifying the subject or context. Saying someone has "contrary attitudes" without explaining what they are contrary to makes the phrase vague and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary attitudes" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate that the attitudes in question are in opposition or disagreement with something else. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its usage in various contexts to describe differing viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary attitudes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe opposing viewpoints or feelings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and general discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, consider the specific audience and purpose when selecting alternatives like "opposing viewpoints" or "divergent perspectives" for greater precision or formality. Always ensure the context clearly defines what the "contrary attitudes" are in opposition to for clarity. When writing, avoid vagueness and specify the subject the attitudes are contrary to, for a more impactful and informative message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposing viewpoints

Focuses on the difference in points of view, suggesting a reasoned disagreement.

conflicting opinions

Highlights the disagreement and potential clash between different opinions.

divergent perspectives

Emphasizes the separation and distinctness of the viewpoints.

antithetical views

Suggests a strong, fundamental opposition between the views.

discordant opinions

Highlights the lack of harmony and potential for conflict.

contrasting beliefs

Focuses on the difference in held convictions or principles.

conflicting stances

Emphasizes the differing positions taken on a particular issue.

opposing dispositions

Highlights fundamental differences in temperament or character.

conflicting feelings

Focuses on the difference in emotional responses or affections.

differing mindsets

Emphasizes the contrast in ways of thinking or approaching a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary attitudes" in a sentence?

You can use "contrary attitudes" to describe opposing viewpoints or feelings about a particular subject or situation. For example: "The team struggled to reach a consensus due to the contrary attitudes of its members regarding the project's direction."

What are some alternatives to "contrary attitudes"?

Alternatives include "opposing viewpoints", "conflicting opinions", or "divergent perspectives", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "contrary attitudes" formal or informal?

"Contrary attitudes" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though the specific situation should guide your word choice. More formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "divergent perspectives".

What makes "contrary attitudes" different from "opposing viewpoints"?

"Contrary attitudes" suggests a more inherent opposition or resistance, while "opposing viewpoints" simply indicates differing perspectives that may not necessarily be in direct conflict.