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Contradictory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contradictory

[หŒkษ’ntrษ™หˆdษชktษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

opposite statements or ideas

Containing or showing a contradiction. Inconsistent or having conflicting qualities. Expressing the opposite of what one really means, especially in order to deceive.

Synonyms

conflicting, inconsistent, opposing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contradictory

Used when discussing statements, opinions, or actions that are directly opposite to each other.

  • The two witnesses gave contradictory testimonies
  • The new policy is contradictory to our company's values
conflicting

Suitable for situations where two or more elements, ideas, or interests are in opposition or are incompatible.

  • There are conflicting reports about the cause of the accident
  • He felt conflicting emotions about the decision
inconsistent

Used to describe situations where elements do not match up or where results vary unpredictably. It can have a negative connotation when referring to behavior or performance.

  • Her story was inconsistent with the evidence
  • The data from the experiment was inconsistent
opposing

Best used for describing two sides in a conflict, debate, or competition that are fundamentally against each other.

  • The opposing football teams practiced on separate fields
  • The politician faced opposing views from his constituents

Examples of usage

  • He made a contradictory statement by saying he was both happy and sad at the same time.
  • Her actions were contradictory to her words, causing confusion among her colleagues.
  • The witness gave contradictory testimonies during the trial.
Context #2 | Noun

opposite ideas or aspects

A combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another. A proposition that is inconsistent with itself.

Synonyms

conflict, inconsistency, opposition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contradictory

Used when describing something that directly opposes or is in conflict with another statement or idea. Often used in formal writing or arguments.

  • The witness gave contradictory statements during the trial.
  • There are contradictory opinions about the new policy.
opposition

Describes resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument. It is often used in political, competitive, or adversarial contexts.

  • The opposition party strongly disagrees with the new laws.
  • She met with strong opposition from her colleagues.
conflict

Describes a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one. It can refer to personal, social, or international disputes.

  • There is a conflict between the two neighboring countries.
  • Their interests are in conflict, which makes collaboration difficult.
inconsistency

Refers to something that is not in agreement or does not always happen in the same way. This word is often used in contexts where reliability or coherence is questioned.

  • The inconsistency in his work quality is a concern.
  • There is an inconsistency in the financial reports.

Examples of usage

  • There was a contradictory between what she said and what she did.
  • The film explores the contradictions between tradition and modernity.
  • The contradictory in his argument weakened his position.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, contradictions are central to many discussions, particularly in logic and reasoning.
  • The 'Law of Non-Contradiction' states that contradictory propositions cannot both be true in the same sense.
  • Philosopher Aristotle argued that contradictions disrupt logical understanding and must be resolved.

Psychology

  • Cognitive dissonance theory highlights how people experience discomfort when holding contradictory beliefs.
  • This discomfort often leads individuals to change their beliefs or rationalize their contradictions.
  • Study of contradictory thoughts plays a role in understanding human behavior and decision-making.

Literature

  • Contradictory themes often appear in literature, with characters struggling between opposing feelings or desires.
  • Famous works, such as Shakespeare's plays, utilize contradictions to develop complex characters and tensions.
  • Classic literature often explores the contradictions of human nature, illustrating the duality of existence.

Pop Culture

  • Contradictory lyrics can create memorable songs, capturing the complexity of human emotions.
  • Movies often present characters with contradictory motivations, making them more relatable and nuanced.
  • Reality television thrives on contradictions among cast members, showcasing drama and conflict for entertainment.

Origin of 'contradictory'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'contradictorius,' which means 'speaking against.'
  • It combines 'contra' (against) and 'dictere' (to say), reflecting its meaning of opposing statements.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century.

The word 'contradictory' originated from the Latin word 'contradictorius', which means 'speaking against'. It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century. The concept of contradiction has been a fundamental part of philosophical and logical discourse throughout history, with notable contributions from thinkers such as Aristotle, Hegel, and Russell. The study of contradictions plays a significant role in various fields, including mathematics, philosophy, and linguistics.

See also: contradiction, contradictions, contradictorily.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,184 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.