contradiction
[kon-truh-dik-shuh n]
- the act of contradicting; gainsaying or opposition.
- assertion of the contrary or opposite; denial.
- a statement or proposition that contradicts or denies another or itself and is logically incongruous.
- direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency.
- a contradictory act, fact, etc.
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Origin of contradiction
1350–1400; Middle English contradiccioun (< Anglo-French) < Latin contrādictiōn- (stem of contrādictiō). See contradict, -ion
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
disagreementdiscrepancyconflictdifferenceinconsistencydisputedenialoppositeincongruitycontraventiondissensionoppositiondefiancenegationconfutationbuckingExamples from the Web for contradiction
Contemporary Examples
This may seem like a contradiction, if “conservative” means political conservatism.
Indeed, the very idea of a same-sex marriage seemed to most people a contradiction in terms.
For those who knew him best, he remained a study in contradiction.
But beneath this oddball kumbaya story lies a contradiction.
This remains a contradiction until and unless the Afghan Taliban are pushed toward talks.
‘Homework to Do’: The Afghanistan-Pakistan Peace Talk Tipping PointShamila N. Chaudhary, Omar Samad
April 26, 2013
Historical Examples
This explosion of the doctor's meant that he invited and awaited some contradiction.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
You may be inclined to think this a contradiction, for all such promptings to crime must be base.
The ChanningsMrs. Henry Wood
Here is a contradiction which it seems to me can scarcely be reconciled.
FreelandTheodor Hertzka
People who will be dealing in contradiction ought to pay for it.
Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
I am aware that what I am now saying appears to be in contradiction with my other statements.
The Truth About WomanC. Gasquoine Hartley
contradiction
- the act of going against; opposition; denial
- a declaration of the opposite or contrary
- a statement that is at variance with itself (often in the phrase a contradiction in terms)
- conflict or inconsistency, as between events, qualities, etc
- a person or thing containing conflicting qualities
- logic a statement that is false under all circumstances; necessary falsehood
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for contradiction
n.
late 14c., from Old French contradiction or directly from Latin contradictionem (nominative contradictio) "a reply, objection, counterargument," noun of action from past participle stem of contradicere, in classical Latin contra dicere "to speak against," from contra "against" (see contra) + dicere "to speak" (see diction).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper