on the contrary와 however를 굳이 수험영어에서 구별할 필요가 있을까하는 생각이 듭니다만,
그래도 궁금하시다면 아래의 글을 참조하시기 바랍니다.
좀 더 자세한 것을 알고 싶으시면 Michael Swan의 Practical English Usage란 책의 P139를 보시기 바랍니다.
➀ on the contrary
✍ to express contradiction
ex. Interesting lecture? On the contrary, it was a complete waste of time.
✍ to be used when a writer strengthens a negative statement which he/she has just made.
ex. She did not allow the accident to discourage her. On the contrary she began to work twice as hard.
➁ however; still ; yet
nevertheless(very formal)
although, even if
Despite ; in spite of
✍ to emphasize the fact that the second point contrasts with the first.
ex. It was an oppressive dictatorship, but nevertheless it ensured stability.