on the other hand
phrase
—used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a different point of view
He's a good guy. His brother, on the other hand, is a very selfish man.
Profits are earned by those who own and employ capital. Rent, on the other hand, is collected by those who own natural resources and provide them to others.—William Tucker
—often used after a statement introduced with on the one handThen he is incorporated formally into the plot, his persona on the one hand central, on the other hand continuingly elusive.—William F. Buckley, Jr.
Cite this Entry
“On the other hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20other%20hand. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
