we think the contrary vs we think the opposite

The phrases are both acceptable, but they would be used in dissimilar contexts. 'We think the contrary' is used when expressing a different opinion or belief, while 'We think the opposite' is used when expressing a completely different viewpoint or idea.

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Last updated: February 21, 2025 • 6168 views

This phrase is correct and can be used when expressing a different opinion or belief.

"we think the contrary"

This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker holds a different opinion or belief from what has been previously stated or assumed.

Examples:

We think the contrary, and we believe that the project will be successful.
Despite what others say, we think the contrary and have a different perspective on the matter.

Show examples from the web [+]

We think, on the contrary, that it is majority voting that would be impossible, because national interests and realities would be so divergent in a Europe of 27 members.
We think, on the contrary, that anything is preferable to a bad agreement that would tie our hands for a long time to come.
The second thing which I think is important is that we have to dispel the widespread view that nothing much can be done about Afghanistan. I think the contrary is true.
We think this is contrary to the spirit of our overall proposal on the revision of the MEDA Regulation, because we want to streamline and simplify procedures.
The outlawing of religiously motivated parties and the terror waged against the Berber peoples will not improve things, I think, quite the contrary.
I think, on the contrary, that we have made a serious mistake.
And I think, on the contrary, that it is very important to solving the world's problems that we take evolutionary biology seriously.
So I think, on the contrary, you can say in modulation we actually increase the funding available for the agricultural sector because there is cofinancing.
There is no dissent, on the contrary I think that there is agreement in this Chamber, that the MEDA programme must not only move forward but must also cover the largest possible spectrum with regard to the Mediterranean.
I think, on the contrary, that we should be pleased that we have achieved so much. I do not believe that there is an inherent conflict between trade and development as some speakers claim.
Not because I agree with the arguments that they are putting forward, on the contrary I think that many of their arguments are based on mistaken, or even false premises.
Does it, on the contrary, think that it is a step backwards?
I do not believe that is the aim and I think it is contrary to what was decided in Amsterdam.
I think it is contrary to our Rules of Procedure for a group to join in signing this motion without asking the others.
What is neither fair nor contributes to European integration is trying to rigidly impose the standards, customs or traditions of one country on the rest, or trying to level standards upwards, because this makes us think, on the contrary, of obstacles to trade.
On the contrary, we think that the formulation of distribution policy is a national responsibility.
I think that contrary to the great process of Economic and Monetary Union, which was an integrated process within the Community structures, today, unfortunately, the common foreign and security policy is entirely an intergovernmental procedure.
On the contrary, we think it can indeed be a part of European culture.
On the contrary, we think that increased centralization, a common defence policy and EMU are obstacles to cooperation between several of Europe's countries.
On the contrary, we think that these lists would only increase the isolation of the European Parliament from voters in the Member States.

Alternatives:

we have a different opinion
we disagree
we hold a different belief
we have an opposing view
we have a contrasting viewpoint

This phrase is correct and is used when expressing a completely different viewpoint or idea.

"we think the opposite"

This phrase is used to indicate a viewpoint or idea that is completely different from what has been previously stated or assumed.

Examples:

We think the opposite and believe that the decision should be reconsidered.
While they believe in cutting costs, we think the opposite and prioritize quality over savings.

Show examples from the web [+]

After consulting several specialists, we think the opposite.
Well, we think the exact opposite.
I think we do the exact opposite.
Well, just think the opposite of that.
Although you'd think the opposite would be true.
But you seem to think the opposite.
I probably think the opposite of whatever you think. Granted.
But, basically you make someone think the opposite of what you believe.
The dead body at the morgue makes me think the opposite.
I think the opposite would be the case, and so I want to endorse unreservedly what Commissioner Nielson said: we need a delegation in Cuba.
Mr Sarkozy may want people to think the opposite, helped out by the posturing of the left.
It is important to highlight this issue because, so far, it appears that only the United States represents this guarantee when in fact I think the opposite is happening.
I think that's the opposite of racist.
I think this is the opposite of a bus strike.
...but I think it's the opposite.
No, Jackie, I think it's the opposite.
Actually, I think it's the opposite.
I don't think so - quite the opposite.
Anyway, I think it's the opposite for a psychologist.
I think I meant the opposite of that.

Alternatives:

we have a different viewpoint
we hold a contrasting opinion
we believe the contrary
we have an opposing perspective
we see things differently

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we think the contrary vs we think the opposite

"we think the contrary"

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