Contradiction: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄

Add to dictionary

contradiction

[ˌkɒn.trəˈdɪk.ʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in logic

A combination of statements, ideas, or features that are opposed to one another, producing a logical inconsistency.

Synonyms

conflict, discrepancy, inconsistency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contradiction	Use 'contradiction' to describe a situation where two statements or ideas directly oppose each other, often creating a logical impossibility. There is a clear contradiction between his earlier statements and what he is saying now. The theory is full of contradictions and doesn't make any sense.
inconsistency	Use 'inconsistency' to describe something that lacks uniformity or steadiness, often referring to irregularities in behavior, performance, or quality. Her inconsistency in showing up to meetings has become a problem. There is an inconsistency in the way the rules are applied.
conflict	Use 'conflict' to describe a situation where there is a struggle, clash, or disagreement between people, groups, or ideas. The conflict between the two countries has been ongoing for years. She felt a conflict between her career ambitions and her desire to start a family.
discrepancy	Use 'discrepancy' to describe a situation where there is a difference or inconsistency between two or more pieces of information or data that should match. There is a discrepancy between the recorded data and the actual numbers. The auditor found several discrepancies in the financial reports.

Examples of usage

There is a contradiction in the evidence presented by the two witnesses.
The theory he proposed contains a contradiction that cannot be resolved.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A situation in which inherent factors, actions, or propositions are inconsistent or contrary to one another.

Synonyms

incompatibility, opposition, paradox.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contradiction	Used when referring to statements, ideas, or actions that are directly opposed to each other. There seems to be a contradiction in your argument. It was a blatant contradiction to what he said earlier.

Word

Description / Examples

contradiction

Used when referring to statements, ideas, or actions that are directly opposed to each other.

There seems to be a contradiction in your argument.
It was a blatant contradiction to what he said earlier.

Examples of usage

Her actions were a contradiction to her words.
The politician's behavior was a contradiction of his campaign promises.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

literary

The statement of a position opposite to one already made.

Synonyms

antithesis, opposition, reversal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contradiction	Use 'contradiction' when referring to a direct inconsistency between two statements or ideas. It suggests that the two elements cannot both be true at the same time. The politician's promises were a contradiction of his previous actions. There is a contradiction between his words and his deeds.
reversal	Use 'reversal' to describe a complete change in direction or position, typically from good to bad or vice versa. It implies a significant and often sudden transformation. The team's fortunes saw a dramatic reversal after the new coach was hired. Her decision marked a reversal of previous commitments.
opposition	Use 'opposition' for a situation where there is active resistance or disagreement against something or someone. It can apply in politics, debates or any scenario with conflicting parties. There was strong opposition to the new policy. The scientist faced opposition from his peers.
antithesis	Use 'antithesis' when discussing a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. It often involves a contrast of ideas in literature or rhetoric. Her gentleness is the antithesis of his aggressiveness. The character serves as the antithesis to the protagonist.

Examples of usage

The character's actions serve as a contradiction to his earlier declarations of love.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'contradictio,' meaning 'to speak against.'
It’s formed from 'contra' (against) and 'dicere' (to say), highlighting its essence of opposing statements.
The usage of this word in literature dates back to the 14th century.

Philosophy

In logic, a contradiction occurs when a statement contradicts itself, for example, saying 'I am both alive and not alive.'
Philosophers like Aristotle stated that contradictions cannot exist in the same sense at the same time, which is fundamental to logic.
Understanding contradictions is key to critical thinking and analyzing arguments effectively.

Literature

Contradictions often drive conflict in stories, creating tension between characters or themes.
Famous literary works, such as George Orwell's '1984,' use contradictory statements like 'War is Peace' to critique society.
Authors sometimes create paradoxical characters to highlight internal conflicts and complex moral dilemmas.

Communication

Contradictions in speech can signal dishonesty or confusion, leading to misunderstandings in conversations.
In persuasive writing, effectively addressing contradictions can strengthen an argument by acknowledging opposing views.
Body language can often contradict spoken words, revealing feelings that may not align with verbal communication.

Psychology

Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds contradictory beliefs or attitudes, leading to mental discomfort.
People often resolve contradictions by changing their beliefs or rationalizing their behaviors.
Understanding personal contradictions can lead to greater self-awareness and growth in decision-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "contradiction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contradição

🇮🇳 विरोधाभास

🇩🇪 Widerspruch

🇮🇩 kontradiksi

🇺🇦 суперечність

🇵🇱 sprzeczność

🇯🇵 矛盾 (mujun)

🇫🇷 contradiction

🇪🇸 contradicción

🇹🇷 çelişki

🇰🇷 모순 (mosun)

🇸🇦 تناقض (tanaqud)

🇨🇿 rozpor

🇸🇰 rozpor

🇨🇳 矛盾 (máodùn)

🇸🇮 protislovje

🇮🇸 mótsögn

🇰🇿 қайшылық

🇬🇪 პარადოქსი (paradoksi)

🇦🇿 ziddiyyət

🇲🇽 contradicción

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,546 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6543 systemic
6544 plug
6545 designer
6546 contradiction
6547 countenance
6548 unlimited
6549 condemnation
...