French Conversation · Level 62
76 words
French word
inversement
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃vɛʁsəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbon the contrary
Example
Tu dis que ce n'est pas grave ; inversement, ça m'inquiète.
You say it's not serious; on the contrary, it worries me.
More examples
Inversement à ce que l'on pensait, il a pris une décision différente.
Contrary to what we thought, he made a different decision.
Core concept
A verbal pivot that presents the opposite side or result of what has just been said.
Common phrases
inversement à ce que l'on pensait
contrary to what we thought
être inversement lié à
be inversely related to
varier inversement avec
vary inversely with
Similar words
par contre: A contrasting point is being introduced.
au contraire: The facts or position are contrary to what was denied or expected.
en revanche: A different effect or circumstance is shown in comparison.
à l'inverse: The opposite direction or conclusion is being indicated.
Definition in French
Sert à marquer une idée contraire ou une inversion par rapport à ce qui vient d'être énoncé.
Word origin
French formed inversement from inverse and -ment, and inverse continues Old French inverse from Latin inversus, built on invertere, to turn around.
Usage tips
- Inversement can introduce a contrasting conclusion, whereas réciproquement means reciprocally and concerns mutual relations rather than opposition.