contradictory

[ kon-truh-dik-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. asserting the contrary or opposite; contradicting; inconsistent; logically opposite:

   contradictory statements.

   Synonyms: paradoxical, irreconcilable

2. tending or inclined to contradict.

noun

plural contradictories.

1. Logic. a proposition so related to a second that it is impossible for both to be true or both to be false.

contradictory

/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktərɪ /

adjective

1. inconsistent; incompatible
2. given to argument and contention

   a contradictory person

3. logic (of a pair of statements) unable both to be true or both to be false under the same circumstances Compare contrary subcontrary

noun

1. logic a statement that cannot be true when a given statement is true or false when it is false

Derived Forms

• ˌcontraˈdictorily, adverb
• ˌcontraˈdictoriness, noun

Other Word Forms

• contra·dicto·ri·ly adverb
• contra·dicto·ri·ness noun
• inter·contra·dicto·ry adjective
• noncon·tra·dicto·ry adjective noun plural noncontradictories
• uncon·tra·dicto·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of contradictory¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin contrādictōrius; equivalent to contradict + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

At times, the various figures involved in tariffs gave contradictory statements on the policy, which experts say contributed to confusion and market volatility.

From BBC

The high court left many questions about the law unanswered, experts said, which explains, in part, the contradictory reactions to Monday night’s ruling.

From Los Angeles Times

And today, there are a series of contradictory priorities facing the NHS.

From BBC

Yet for every positive story comes a negative one – with contradictory claims of less positive experiences from those who have worked with and known the couple.

From BBC

They desire contradictory things at different times — and even simultaneously.

From Salon

Related Words

• antithetical
• conflicting
• contrary
• incompatible
• inconsistent
• paradoxical