Contradictorily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contradictorily

[ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪktərɪli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a contradictory manner

In a way that involves or contains two or more mutually opposed or inconsistent elements; in a manner that suggests or implies the opposite of what is being stated.

Synonyms

conflictingly, inconsistently, oppositely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contradictorily	Used when describing something that goes against or is opposite to something else, often within the same context. Indicates a direct contradiction. He spoke contradictorily, saying one thing and then doing the opposite. Her actions were contradictorily to her stated beliefs.
inconsistently	Used when describing actions or behavior that lack consistency, coherence, or regularity. Often implies unpredictability or unreliability. He behaves inconsistently, making it hard to predict his reactions. Her work is done inconsistently, sometimes excellent and other times very poor.
oppositely	Used when describing a direct opposition in direction, position, or effect. Usually physical or metaphorical opposition. They moved in oppositely directions, never meeting in the middle. The elements in the artwork were placed oppositely to create a sense of balance.
conflictingly	Used when describing situations, opinions, or actions that are in disagreement or clash with each other. Highlights tension or disagreement. The two reports presented conflictingly different data. They acted conflictingly, each pursuing their own agenda.

Examples of usage

He was speaking contradictorily, saying one thing and then its opposite in the next breath.
The witness's testimony was contradictorily vague, leaving the jury unsure of what really happened.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Philosophers often discuss contradictions to explore complex ideas, leading to deeper understanding.
The law of non-contradiction states that contradictory statements cannot both be true, a fundamental principle in logic.
Exploring contradictions can help in critical thinking and can lead to new insights.

Psychology

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon where a person holds two contradictory beliefs, leading to discomfort.
This discomfort often encourages individuals to change one of their beliefs or find new ways to justify their contradictory thoughts.
Contradictory behaviors can reflect complex emotions that individuals experience in decision-making.

Literature

Authors often use contradictory characters to create tension and interest in a story.
The concept of irony relies on contradictions, where what happens is opposite to what is expected.
In poetry, contradictions can evoke vivid imagery and deep emotional responses.

Pop Culture

Many songs contain lyrics that explore contradictory feelings, like love and hate, making them relatable.
Film characters often face contradictions that drive their development, creating more complex narratives.
Social media often showcases contradictory lifestyles, where influencers may portray perfect lives while hiding struggles.

Origin of 'contradictorily'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'contradictorius', which means to speak against.
It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe opposing ideas.
The root ‘contra-’ means against, and ‘dict’ relates to speaking.

The word 'contradictorily' is derived from the verb 'contradict,' which comes from the Latin word 'contradictus,' meaning 'spoken against.' The adverb form 'contradictorily' first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century.