〜に反して
contrary to, against
Noun + に反して / に反し · に反する + Noun
Sign up free to review this point on a spaced schedule.
に反して means an outcome goes against an expectation, a wish or a rule: 予想に反して、試験は簡単だった, "contrary to expectations, the exam was easy".
It's common with nouns like 予想 (prediction), 期待 (expectations), 意思 (will), 天気予報 (the forecast) and 規則 (rules).
Before a noun, it becomes に反する: 規則に反する行為, "acts that break the rules". In formal writing, に反し.
Don't confuse it with に対して ("towards, whereas"). に反して always means going against something. Its opposite is 期待に応えて, "living up to expectations".
The verb 反する also stands alone: 法に反する, "to break the law"; 常識に反する, "to go against common sense".
Examples
予想に反して、試験は簡単だった。
Contrary to expectations, the exam was easy.
親の期待に反して、彼は大学に行かなかった。
Contrary to his parents' hopes, he didn't go to university.
規則に反する行為は許されない。
Acts that break the rules won't be tolerated.
天気予報に反して、一日中晴れていた。
Contrary to the forecast, it was sunny all day.
本人の意思に反して、手術が行われた。
The operation was carried out against the patient's will.