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contradiction

[ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃən]

contradiction Definition

  • 1a combination of statements, ideas, or features of a situation that are opposed to one another
  • 2a situation in which inconsistent elements are present

Using contradiction: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "contradiction" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    There is a contradiction between what he says and what he does.

  • Example

    The witness gave contradictory evidence in court.

  • Example

    The policy is full of contradictions.

  • Example

    Her behavior is a contradiction of her professed beliefs.

contradiction Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for contradiction

Idioms Using contradiction

  • a phrase or expression that contains two or more words that contradict each other, making the phrase or expression meaningless or absurd

    Example

    The term 'vegetarian meatballs' is a contradiction in terms, as meatballs by definition contain meat.

  • an obvious and striking contradiction that is hard to ignore or explain away

    Example

    There is a glaring contradiction between his public statements and his private actions.

  • a situation where one statement or idea directly opposes or contradicts another statement or idea

    Example

    His testimony is in direct contradiction to the evidence presented in court.

Phrases with contradiction

  • a situation where two or more statements or ideas seem to be in opposition but can be reconciled upon closer examination

    Example

    There appears to be an apparent contradiction between the two theories, but they can be reconciled with further research.

  • a situation where a statement or idea contradicts itself or contains elements that are mutually exclusive

    Example

    The argument contains an internal contradiction, as it claims both X and not-X at the same time.

  • a situation where two or more statements or ideas cannot be reconciled or resolved

    Example

    The two theories contain irreconcilable contradictions and cannot be merged into a single framework.

Origins of contradiction

from Latin 'contradictio', meaning 'speaking against'

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Summary: contradiction in Brief

A 'contradiction' [ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃən] refers to a situation where opposing statements, ideas, or features are present. It can range from inconsistencies in policies to conflicting behaviors, as in 'Her behavior is a contradiction of her professed beliefs.' Phrases like 'apparent contradiction' and 'internal contradiction' describe situations where opposing elements can be reconciled or not, respectively. Idioms like 'a contradiction in terms' and 'a glaring contradiction' highlight absurd or obvious inconsistencies.