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Contradicted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contradicted

[หŒkษ’ntrษ™หˆdษชktษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

disagreement expressed

To contradict means to assert the opposite of a statement or claim. When one contradicts another, they are communicating that they hold a differing viewpoint or belief contrary to what has been stated. This can happen in various contexts, including debates, discussions, or personal conversations. Contradicting can sometimes escalate arguments, but it can also lead to productive dialogue, provided both parties remain respectful.

Synonyms

conflict, deny, dispute, oppose, refute.

Examples of usage

  • She contradicted his claim about the budget.
  • The scientist's findings contradicted previous research.
  • He always contradicts me during our debates.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Logic

  • In logic, a statement and its contradiction can't both be true at the same time, following a principle known as the Law of Non-Contradiction.
  • A classic example of contradiction is the statement 'This statement is false.' If itโ€™s true, then it must be false, which creates a logical puzzle.
  • Contradictory statements are often examined in philosophical discussions to explore the nature of truth.

Psychology

  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person's beliefs contradict each other, often leading to discomfort that drives changes in belief or behavior.
  • People tend to minimize contradictions to maintain mental consistency; this can lead to selective reasoning or memories.
  • Conflicting messages can create confusion in communication, often impeding relationship development or social interactions.

Literature

  • Contradictions are a common literary device used by authors to develop complex characters by revealing inner conflicts.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often contradict themselves, highlighting their flawed human nature and moral ambiguity.
  • Classic novels frequently feature contradictory themes to provoke thought and evoke emotional responses from readers.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, character contradictions can serve as plot twists, surprising audiences and creating deeper character arcs.
  • Reality TV often thrives on contradictions between what characters say and what their actions reveal, fueling drama and conflicts.
  • Famous public figures sometimes contradict themselves in speeches, leading to public scrutiny and discussions about integrity.

Origin of 'contradicted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'contradictus,' meaning 'to speak against.'
  • In Middle English, it was used similarly to denote opposing statements or beliefs.
  • The prefix 'contra-' means 'against,' while 'dict' relates to speaking, illustrating the basic meaning of the word.

The term 'contradict' originates from the Latin word 'contradictus', which is the past participle of 'contradicere', meaning 'to speak against'. The roots of this word can be separated into 'contra-', meaning 'against', and 'dicere', meaning 'to say' or 'to speak'. This etymology points to the fundamental concept of stating something that is contrary to another's statement. The word entered the English language in the late Middle Ages and has maintained its meaning throughout the centuries, being used in both formal and informal contexts to describe situations where conflicting statements arise. In contemporary usage, it is prominent in legal, academic, and everyday conversations, serving as a tool for critical thinking and debate.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,795, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.