に反してContrary to; against
に反して says that a result, action, or state goes against a named expectation, intention, rule, principle, or trend.
A named benchmark
The noun before に反して names the benchmark that reality fails to match. Common benchmarks include 予想, 期待, 意向, 規則, and 方針. The following part states the unexpected result or conflicting action.
Expectations and standards
The same structure works both for an outcome that defeats an expectation and for conduct that violates an intention or standard.
Directly modifying a noun
When the conflicting action or thing is named by a following noun, use に反する rather than the adverbial form.
住民の意向に反する決定は、見直されるべきだ。
A decision that goes against the residents' wishes should be reconsidered.
AnalyzeGoing against or following a standard
に反して marks departure from an expectation, policy, or standard. Its useful opposite is に沿って, which says that an action follows a policy, plan, route, or standard.
More examples
期待に反して、新製品への反応は冷ややかだった。
Contrary to expectations, the response to the new product was cool.
Analyze本人の意向に反して、会議の内容が公表された。
The contents of the meeting were made public against the person's wishes.
Analyze規則に反する行為は処分の対象となる。
Conduct that violates the rules is subject to disciplinary action.
Analyze見た目に反して、この装置は操作が簡単だ。
Contrary to its appearance, this device is easy to operate.
Analyze市場の流れに反し、同社は実店舗を増やしている。
Going against the market trend, the company is increasing its number of physical stores.
Analyze予報に反して、午後から空が晴れた。
Contrary to the forecast, the sky cleared in the afternoon.
Analyze