ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conversely

adv.
US //ˈkɑnvɝsɫi// UK //kənvˈɜːsli// con·verse·ly
  1. 1 on the other hand (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    you use this to introduce an idea that is the opposite of the one you just mentioned.

    used to introduce a statement or idea which reverses the logic of the previous one or presents a contrasting perspective.

    Example

    Poor lighting can make a room feel small; conversely, bright walls can make it feel much larger.

    Example

    He argued that high taxes would discourage investment; conversely, his opponent maintained that they would provide the necessary infrastructure for long-term growth.

    Usage

    Usually placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to provide a transition between two contrasting ideas.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a high-level transition word common in academic writing; students often confuse it with 'contrary', which is an adjective or noun.
Origin

From converse + -ly.

Word family

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