contradict Definition
- 1deny the truth of (a statement) by asserting the opposite
- 2assert the opposite of a statement made by (someone)
Using contradict: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "contradict" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
His story contradicts hers.
Example
The witness's testimony contradicted the defendant's alibi.
Example
I can't believe he would contradict himself like that.
Example
Her actions seem to contradict her words.
Example
The evidence contradicts the theory.
contradict Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with contradict
self-contradiction
the act of contradicting oneself or making a statement that contradicts an earlier statement
Example
His argument was full of self-contradictions.
to use two or more words together that have opposite meanings, making the phrase meaningless
Example
The phrase 'square circle' contradicts in terms.
to make a statement that contradicts an earlier statement
Example
He contradicted himself several times during the interview.
Origins of contradict
from Latin 'contra-' meaning 'against' + 'dicere' meaning 'to speak'
Summary: contradict in Brief
To 'contradict' [ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪkt] is to deny the truth of a statement by asserting the opposite or to assert the opposite of a statement made by someone. It is often used in legal and academic contexts, as well as in everyday conversation. Examples include 'His story contradicts hers' and 'The evidence contradicts the theory.' Phrases like 'self-contradiction' and 'contradict in terms' refer to situations where a statement contradicts itself or is meaningless.