contrary to

Preposition

despite; in opposition to (an assumption, etc.); differently from

Japanese Meaning

～にもかかわらず / ～に反して / ～とは異なり

Contrary to expectations, the small startup grew into a major competitor within two years.

予想に反して、その小さなスタートアップは2年で大手の競合企業に成長しました。

Sense（1）

despite; in opposition to (an assumption, etc.); differently from

Contrary to what you might think, Antarctica is technically a desert.