contradiction

[ kon-truh-dik-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of contradicting; gainsaying or opposition.
2. assertion of the contrary or opposite; denial.
3. a statement or proposition that contradicts or denies another or itself and is logically incongruous.
4. direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency.
5. a contradictory act, fact, etc.

contradiction

/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. the act of going against; opposition; denial
2. a declaration of the opposite or contrary
3. a statement that is at variance with itself (often in the phrase a contradiction in terms )
4. conflict or inconsistency, as between events, qualities, etc
5. a person or thing containing conflicting qualities
6. logic a statement that is false under all circumstances; necessary falsehood

Other Words From

• inter·contra·diction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contradiction¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English contradiccioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin contrādictiōn-, stem of contrādictiō “counterargument, objection, reply”; equivalent to contradict + -ion

Example Sentences

The contradiction suggests much deeper problems in the Democrats’ political messaging and American political culture more broadly.

From Salon

This conflict of interest is not the only contradiction at play.

From Salon

As Douglass puts it, they would “see what ought to be by reflection of what is and endeavor to remove the contradiction.”

From Salon

During the conversation, Trump also reportedly pledged to support Ukraine, in contradiction of statements he made on the campaign trail.

From Salon

The Liberal Democrats branded the appointments a "cabinet of contradictions" and "a recipe for yet more Conservative chaos".

From BBC

Related Words

• conflict
• difference
• disagreement
• discrepancy
• dispute
• inconsistency