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

I fear we are turning out the most confused generation, with an affliction of contradiction.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But there is deep fear in her party, and scepticism among her rivals and in business, that instead, Reeves's second budget will be hampered by political constraints and contradictions.

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It analyzes the forces of corruption and moral probity, capitalism and benevolence—all the rich contradictions and absurdities of the world glimpsed in Jane Austen’s novels.

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Nichols recognized that comedy is funnier when there are human contradictions and conflicts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That contradiction is now shaping New York’s infrastructure decisions.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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