contrary to our character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to our character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that an action or behavior does not align with the established traits or values of a person or group. Example: "His decision to lie was contrary to our character as a team that values honesty and integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mass deportation would be both impossible and contrary to our character.

The Guardian

Mass deportation would be both impossible and contrary to our character," he said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Thus this feature is – contrary to our expectation – not an autapomorphic character for the biflagellate DO-group as a whole but for the 'core Sphaeropleales'.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

But, contrary to our assumptions, only very low correlations with the character scale Cooperativeness (.03 – -.27) occurred.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

It's contrary to our ideals.

The New York Times

It is contrary to our interests".

The New York Times

Greed is contrary to our human existence.

The Guardian - Music

That would be contrary to our traditions".

The Guardian

This was completely contrary to our intention.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To disagree with this is completely contrary to our beliefs".

The Guardian

"High profile celebrity endorsements are contrary to our policy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrary to our character" when you want to emphasize that a specific action or decision clashes with the fundamental values or established nature of a group or individual. It suggests a deeper inconsistency than simply violating a rule or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to our character" when you actually mean "contrary to our policy". The former implies a deep-seated inconsistency with values, while the latter simply indicates a violation of established rules or guidelines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to our character" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating that something is in opposition to or inconsistent with the established nature or values of a group or individual. Ludwig confirms that this is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contrary to our character" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate inconsistency with established values or behaviors. According to Ludwig, it is a valid construction, though relatively rare in occurrence. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a deviation from fundamental values rather than simply a violation of policy. Alternatives like "inconsistent with our values" or "against our principles" may provide more suitable nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not reflective of who we are

Focuses on the mismatch with the genuine essence or attributes of a person or group.

inconsistent with our values

Emphasizes a discrepancy with established values and beliefs.

against our principles

Focuses on a conflict with moral or ethical guidelines rather than inherent traits.

not in keeping with our nature

Highlights a deviation from the intrinsic essence or disposition.

at odds with our ethos

Implies a conflict with the guiding beliefs and ideals of a group.

a departure from our standards

Suggests a deviation from established benchmarks or norms.

not aligned with our identity

Focuses on a conflict with the core sense of self or group belonging.

antithetical to our spirit

Emphasizes a fundamental opposition to the prevailing attitude or mood.

runs counter to our disposition

Highlights a clash with inherent temperament or inclination.

opposed to our way

Suggests resistance to established customs or practices.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary to our character" in a sentence?

Use "contrary to our character" to describe actions or behaviors that are inconsistent with the established traits or values of a person or group. For example: "His decision to deceive his colleagues was "contrary to our character" as an organization that values honesty and integrity."

What is a good alternative to "contrary to our character"?

Alternatives include phrases like "inconsistent with our values", "against our principles", or "not reflective of who we are", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "contrary to our character" or "contrary to our policy"?

The choice depends on the context. "Contrary to our character" implies a violation of fundamental values, while "contrary to our policy" simply indicates a breach of established rules. They are not interchangeable.

What does it mean when something is described as "contrary to our character"?

It means that the action, behavior, or decision in question is not in alignment with the established values, principles, or intrinsic nature of the person or group being referenced. It implies a deeper inconsistency than just a simple mistake or deviation.