contradict
[ kon-truh-dikt ]
/ ˌkɒn trəˈdɪkt /
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verb (used with object)
to assert the contrary or opposite of; deny directly and categorically.
to speak contrary to the assertions of: to contradict oneself.
(of an action or event) to imply a denial of: His way of life contradicts his stated principles.
Obsolete. to speak or declare against; oppose.
verb (used without object)
to utter a contrary statement.
OTHER WORDS FOR contradict
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Origin of contradict
1560–70; <Latin contrādictus (past participle of contrādīcere to gainsay), equivalent to contrā- contra-1 + dic- (variant stem of dīcere to speak) + -tus past participle suffix
synonym study for contradict
1, 2. See deny.
OTHER WORDS FROM contradict
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use contradict in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for contradict
contradict
/ (ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt) /
verb
(tr) to affirm the opposite of (a proposition, statement, etc)
(tr) to declare (a proposition, statement, etc) to be false or incorrect; deny
(intr) to be argumentative or contrary
(tr) to be inconsistent with (a proposition, theory, etc)the facts contradicted his theory
(intr) (of two or more facts, principles, etc) to be at variance; be in contradiction
Derived forms of contradict
Word Origin for contradict
C16: from Latin contrādīcere, from contra- + dīcere to speak, say
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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