Contradict Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contradict

[ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a conversation

deny the truth of a statement, especially by asserting the opposite. It involves saying the opposite of what someone else has said, often without proof.

Synonyms

counter, deny, disagree, dispute, oppose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contradict	Best used when you want to state that something someone else said is completely wrong. It often suggests a direct challenge to another person's statement. Her testimony contradicts the statement given by the witness. He didn't want to contradict his boss in the meeting.
deny	Used when someone rejects a statement or accusation. It has a definite sense of refusal. He denied any involvement in the scandal. She denied knowing anything about the missing documents.
dispute	Best used when the argument involves questioning the truth or validity of a statement. It can be somewhat formal. The scientists disputed the findings of the research. He disputed the charges brought against him.
oppose	Used when you stand against someone or something, often in a more active or aggressive way. It may have a stronger negative connotation. Many citizens opposed the new law. She opposes any form of violence.
counter	Appropriate when you want to respond to an argument or claim by asserting something different. Often used in discussions or debates. She presented data to counter the argument made by the opposing team. He countered her accusations with strong evidence.
disagree	Used in situations where someone has a different opinion or perspective on a topic. It is often less confrontational than 'contradict'. I disagree with your view on climate change. They disagreed on the best approach to solve the problem.

Examples of usage

She tried to contradict me but I knew I was right.
His actions contradicted his words, showing his true intentions.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a situation

be in conflict with something; go against or be the opposite of. It involves actions or situations that are inconsistent with each other.

Synonyms

clash, conflict, contravene, inconsistent, oppose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contradict	Use when something is stated to be the opposite of what was previously said or established. Often used in conversations and arguments. She didn't mean to contradict him publicly His words clearly contradict the evidence
conflict	Refers to a serious disagreement or argument, typically a prolonged one. It is often used in both personal and broader contexts like politics, and war. The conflict between the two neighbors escalated quickly There is ongoing conflict in the region
oppose	Used when one group or person is actively resisting or fighting against another, often in a political or social context. Many people oppose the new policy He opposed the motion during the meeting
clash	Often used to describe a situation where two or more things do not agree or fit well together, such as opinions, schedules, or colors. It has a sense of active, often visible or audible conflict. Their personalities always seem to clash The blue curtains clash with the green carpet
contravene	Used in more formal contexts, often legal, to describe actions that go against laws, rules, or agreements. His actions contravene international law The company has been accused of contravening environmental regulations
inconsistent	Used when something does not stay the same over time or when there is a lack of harmony between two or more things. Can describe actions, beliefs, or qualities. Her testimony was inconsistent with the evidence He has been inconsistent in his work habits

Examples of usage

His behavior contradicts his beliefs.
The evidence presented contradicts the witness's testimony.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Cognitive dissonance occurs when people hold contradictory beliefs or engage in contradictory behaviors, leading to psychological stress.
Contradicting oneself can often lead to more profound insights, as it may push individuals to re-evaluate their beliefs and assumptions.
Studies show that people often are more motivated to argue against contradictions in their beliefs than to support them.

Literature

Contradictions are a common literary device, used by authors to create tension and develop complex characters.
Famous literary characters, such as Hamlet, often display contradictions, reflecting the complexities of human nature.
In poetry, contradictions can evoke deeper meanings and compel readers to reflect on conflicting emotions or ideas.

Communication

In dialogue, contradictions can spark discussions, as they force participants to clarify their points of view.
Non-verbal contradictions, like saying 'yes' while shaking one's head 'no', highlight the complexities of human communication.
Recognizing contradictions in statements can enhance critical thinking and improve problem-solving skills.

Pop Culture

Contradiction appears in many popular songs, where artists explore themes of love and heartbreak, often expressing conflicting emotions.
Reality TV is filled with contradictions, as characters often behave in ways that conflict with their earlier statements, adding drama.
Comedy often relies on contradictions for humor, where characters say one thing yet act in an entirely opposite manner.

Origin of 'contradict'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Latin 'contradicere', meaning 'to speak against', where 'contra' means 'against' and 'dicere' means 'to say'.
Its use in English dates back to the late 14th century, reflecting the longstanding human experience of debate and dialogue.
Similar words in other languages, like 'contradir' in Spanish, show a common understanding of disagreement across cultures.

The word 'contradict' comes from the Latin word 'contradictus', which means 'spoken against'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century. The concept of contradiction has been a key aspect of logic and argumentation throughout history, with philosophers and scholars debating the nature of contradictions and their implications.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,399, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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