contrary proof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary proof" is not commonly used in written English, but it can be understood in context.
It can be used when discussing evidence or arguments that contradict a previously established claim or theory. Example: "The researcher presented contrary proof that challenged the long-held belief about the effectiveness of the treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If service was made by mail, receipt will be presumed to be five days from the date of mailing in the absence of contrary proof.

Cornell University

This has been the Russian line from the first hours after the attacks, and, as soon as the U.N. report was released, Russian officials tried to repudiate its findings, though they have yet to offer any contrary proof.

The New Yorker

It points out that such a system was said by this Court, 333 U.S. at page 382, 68 S.Ct. at page 535, 92 L.Ed. 746, to have been employed, and no proffer of contrary proof has been made.

Cornell University

Since, is bounded by contrary proof.

Boundary Value Problems

Faith in the absence of evidence or continued faith when presented with conclusive contrary proof an idea has failed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But to kneejerk polemicists on the right, looking for satisfying corroboration of what they already believe, Savile is, to the contrary, shocking proof of the moral downside of the new freedoms of the 1960s, and an indictment of two handy ideological targets, which may therefore, they hope, be tarnished by association: the National Health Service and the BBC.

The Guardian - Books

Since is of form (5.16) and satisfies (5.18), we have that is, This is contrary to The proof is complete.

Advances in Difference Equations

On the contrary, they received proof of the effect as treatment started to affect their bodies.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Proof that, contrary to Cyril Connolly's claim, the pram in the hall is not the enemy of good art.

The Guardian

His speech also serves as proof that, contrary to the claims of the Clinton campaign, Obama has a dramatic capacity for political defence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Microsoft executives said that the Gateway experience was proof that contrary to the Government's claims, the computer makers that distribute Windows have plenty of freedom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary proof", ensure the context clearly establishes what claim or assertion the proof is contradicting. Specify the nature of the proof to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "contrary proof" as absolute or definitive without acknowledging potential limitations or alternative interpretations. Qualify statements to reflect the possibility of further evidence or nuanced perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary proof" functions as a noun phrase that identifies evidence which opposes or contradicts a previously presented claim or assumption. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is used to introduce or highlight conflicting information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Contrary proof" is a noun phrase denoting evidence that opposes a prior claim. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is less common than alternatives like "evidence to the contrary". Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it serves to introduce conflicting information and challenge existing beliefs. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the claim being contradicted and the nature of the opposing proof. Despite its accuracy, careful usage and an awareness of more common alternatives will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradictory evidence

Emphasizes the conflicting nature of the evidence.

evidence to the contrary

Highlights the existence of evidence that opposes a claim.

rebuttal evidence

Focuses on evidence presented to refute a previous argument.

opposing evidence

Directly contrasts with the original evidence.

conflicting evidence

Stresses the inconsistency between different pieces of evidence.

counter evidence

Highlights the role of the evidence in countering a claim.

evidence in opposition

Similar to 'opposing evidence' but slightly more formal.

disproving evidence

Emphasizes the action of disproving something with evidence.

inconsistent evidence

Indicates a lack of harmony within the presented evidence.

refuting evidence

Highlights the evidence's ability to invalidate a claim.

FAQs

What does "contrary proof" mean?

"Contrary proof" refers to evidence or arguments that contradict a previously stated claim, assertion, or belief. It's used to challenge the validity of something by presenting opposing information.

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

You might say, "The defense presented "contradictory evidence" as "contrary proof" to the prosecution's claims, casting doubt on the defendant's guilt".

What are some synonyms for "contrary proof"?

Alternatives include "contradictory evidence", "evidence to the contrary", "opposing evidence", or "rebuttal evidence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "contrary proof" the same as "evidence to the contrary"?

While similar, "evidence to the contrary" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing. "Contrary proof" is a less frequently used variation that carries the same essential meaning.