逆ぎゃくに

adverb

conversely; on the contrary; rather

Used to introduce a contrasting or opposite perspective, often to correct a previous assumption or to present an unexpected result. Can also soften a statement by framing it as the opposite of what was expected.

• 彼かれは怒おこっていると思おもったが、逆ぎゃくに喜よろこんでいた。

  I thought he was angry, but on the contrary, he was pleased.

• この薬くすりは眠ねむくなるどころか、逆ぎゃくに目めが冴さえる。

  Far from making you sleepy, this medicine actually makes you more alert.