What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
controvert
Example
The two lawyers will controvert each other's arguments in court. [controvert: verb]
Example
The article aims to controvert the commonly held belief that vaccines cause autism. [controverting: gerund or present participle]
contradict
Example
Her testimony contradicts what the witness said earlier. [contradicts: verb]
Example
The data contradicts the hypothesis that smoking is not harmful to health. [contradicts: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contradict is more commonly used than controvert in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between controvert and contradict?
Controvert is more formal and often used in academic or legal contexts, while contradict is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
