contradiction

[kon-truh-dik-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of contradicting; gainsaying or opposition.

2. assertion of the contrary or opposite; denial.

3. a statement or proposition that contradicts or denies another or itself and is logically incongruous.

4. direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency.

5. a contradictory act, fact, etc.

contradiction

/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. the act of going against; opposition; denial

2. a declaration of the opposite or contrary

3. a statement that is at variance with itself (often in the phrase a contradiction in terms )

4. conflict or inconsistency, as between events, qualities, etc

5. a person or thing containing conflicting qualities

6. logic a statement that is false under all circumstances; necessary falsehood

Other Word Forms

• intercontradiction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contradiction¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English contradiccioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin contrādictiōn-, stem of contrādictiō “counterargument, objection, reply”; equivalent to contradict + -ion

Example Sentences

The book’s finest pieces wrangle, in elegant prose, with humanity’s contradictions; the weaker ones indulge in name-dropping, footnotes and op-ed invective.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That’s less a contradiction than a reflection of the deep divisions beneath the peaceful, prosperous surface of Irish society.

Read more on Salon

The deepest contradictions in American history—where sincerely heroic efforts fail while hypocritical compromises are necessary for the least-bad outcomes to play out—are the ironic lessons of the nation’s story.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The videos are in direct contradiction to the careful intentionality and adherence to core child development principles that Fred Rogers brought to every episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There was elation from like-minded fans who shared D’Souza’s views on the contradictions of modern sports.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• conflict 
• difference 
• disagreement 
• discrepancy 
• dispute 
• inconsistency