What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contradiction
Example
His statement was in contradiction with the facts. [contradiction: noun]
Example
She contradicted herself by saying one thing and doing another. [contradicted: verb]
opposition
Example
The opposition party criticized the government's decision. [opposition: noun]
Example
He opposed the idea of raising taxes. [opposed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contradiction and opposition are both commonly used in everyday language, but opposition is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, including politics, sports, and business. Contradiction is more limited in its usage and is often associated with logic and reasoning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between contradiction and opposition?
Both contradiction and opposition can be used in formal and informal contexts, but contradiction is more commonly used in academic or technical writing, while opposition is more commonly used in everyday language.
