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Contrary to popular belief, victors in the ancient Greek Olympic Games received cash prizes in addition to their laurel wreaths.

(A) Contrary to

(B) In contrast with

(C) Opposite of

(D) Unlike

(E) In spite of


In the context, popular belief is just the opposite of the historical truth. Therefore we need a phrase that can STRONGLY express the difference.

(A) Contrary to
Correct.
"Contrary" means: Ω={A, B}, and A∩B=Φ.
In English, this means that A and B are complementary events, that B is just the opposite of A.

(B) In contrast with
This means that if we compare A with B, we will find that there are lots of differences. However we cannot say that there are no other possibilities.
B is not so strong enough to express the difference as A. So B is not what we want. Cross it out.

(C) Opposite of
Wrong idiom.
Although its logical meaning is the same as A.
It should be "Opposite to"

(D) Unlike
Wrong. Same as B.

(E) In spite of
Wrong.
This means that although a fact exist, the fact itself cannot stop us from doing sth.
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) “Contrary to” is used for elucidating something that is actually correct but is perceived differently by others. It is not used to compare two similar or different things but to simply state a fact that is contrary to the belief. For example: Contrary to the teacher’s perception, Jack is a bright child.
Hence, A is the perfect choice for the case at hand.
“Unlike” or “In contrast with” are used for showing difference between two similar things. Hence, B and D are wrong.
C and E are silly.
Hence, A is the answer.
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Why A is correct?

I understand that "Contrary to" is an adjective followed by comma and clause.

Therefore, it must modify "victors", which is the subject of the sentence.

Contrary modifies victors -- quite weird.

Expert please expert

Thank you
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"Contrary to" doesn't need equivalent objects to be compared. However, "in contrast to", "unlike", "opposite to" do need equivalent / similar objects to be compared. What I meant is that:

Here, we are not comparing anything. We are just saying that the practice of victors receiving prizes etc. is not known, or say against the popular belief. We don't have a comparison, say, popular belief or unpopular belief. Therefore, "contrary to" is used.

Another example: unlike apple, banana is yellow. Here, we are explicitly comparing apple and banana. Therefore, "unlike" is used. Similar explanations would apply to "in contrast to" and "opposite to".

"In spite of" has a meaning error. It means "despite" but that is not the intended meaning of the original sentence.
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