Soothing words remain in the memory? On the contrary (7)
I believe the answer is:
bromide
'the contrary' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'soothing words remain in the memory?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'memory?' could be 'rom' (ROM is an example) and 'rom' is found in the answer.
'remain' could be 'bide' (biding is a kind of remaining) and 'bide' is present in the remaining letters.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'on' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bromide that I've seen before include "Trite fob-off" , "Trite remark" , "Platitude" , "Sedative" , "that could send you to sleep?" .)