Dear Abanoub,
The difference between: in contrast with/to – contrary – on the contrary
Read each one separately, understand it both in English and in Arabic, then move to the next one.
* in contrast with / to = بخلاف – على النقيض من (تُبّين إختلاف أو مقارنة بين شيئين / شخصين / مكانين)
It is used to show that somebody or something is completely different from somebody or something else.
Examples:
In contrast with/to other parts of the country, we've had a lot of rain. (Not on the contrary with)
بخلاف / على النقيض من أماكن أخرى بالبلاد، كان لدينا أمطار غزيرة (سقطت فى منطقتنا أمطار كثيرة).
* (quite) the contrary = the opposite = العكس
means: the opposite of what has been said or suggested.
Examples:
'Are they happy?' 'No, no, quite the contrary.'
The situation isn't as you suggest. It's quite the contrary.
الأمر ليس كما تظن ،بالعكس (تماماً)
* on the contrary = quite the opposite = بالعكس – على النقيض
Is used to add to a negative statement, to disagree with a negative statement by someone else, or to answer no to a question.
Examples:
I'm not opposed to what you're trying to do. On the contrary, I wholly approve.
It wasn't a good thing; on the contrary it was a huge mistake.
'I suppose your wife doesn't understand you.' 'On the contrary, she understands me very well.'
‘It must have been terrible.’ ‘On the contrary, I enjoyed every minute.’
* contrary = conflicting = opposing: completely different and opposed to each other.
[only before noun]
[contrary/conflicting/opposing ideas, opinions, arguments or actions]
مُعاكس
Example:
How can they get on well together when they have such conflicting / contrary interests?
To sum up:
Note the following:
1. "In contrast to" = "in contrast with"
2. We can use "in contrast" alone. (without putting to / with after it)
3. "on the contrary" = "It's (quite) the contrary". They come in the second sentence or clause. Here "contrary" is a noun.
But: "on the contrary" needs explanation after it (we add more information after it).
4. When "contrary" is an adjective, it is followed by a noun. Common nouns that come after contrary are: ideas / opinions / arguments / actions.
Best Regards