noun

antinomy

an-TIN-uh-mee

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Antinomy (noun) means an antinomy is a contradiction or paradox between two ideas that each seem valid. Example: “The report was full of antinomies that undermined its conclusions.”

noun

An antinomy is a contradiction or paradox between two ideas that each seem valid.

"The report was full of antinomies that undermined its conclusions."

"Philosophers have long argued over this antinomy."

philosophy In philosophy, an antinomy is a pair of conclusions that both seem logically sound yet contradict each other.

"Kant explored several antinomies concerning the nature of the universe."

"Students of Kant must grapple with his antinomies of pure reason."

How to use antinomy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA clash between two ideas or arguments that both seem to be true.

When to use it

This is a formal word, mostly found in philosophy and logic.

Memory tip

Keep it apart from antimony, the metal, by remembering antinomy contains nomy, like law.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

antimony →

Common pairings

logical antinomy resolve an antinomy Kant's antinomies an apparent antinomy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “antinomy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Philosophers have long argued over this _____.

Etymology

Antinomy is a learned borrowing from Latin antinomia, itself from Greek, combining a prefix meaning against with a word for law or custom. In English it can also be read as anti- plus -nomy, a suffix for a system of law or knowledge.

Origin: Latin, from Ancient Greek

Rhymes for antinomy

roomy gloomy sodomy economy anatomy taxonomy autotomy autonomy lobotomy dichotomy astronomy colostomy

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Frequently asked questions

What does antinomy mean?

It means a contradiction or paradox, especially between two ideas that each seem correct.

Is antinomy the same as antimony?

No, antimony is a chemical element, while antinomy is an unrelated word about contradictions.

How did Kant use the word antinomy?

He used it for pairs of conclusions that each seemed logically valid but contradicted one another, in his Critique of Pure Reason.

What is the meaning of antinomy?

"antinomy" (noun) means an antinomy is a contradiction or paradox between two ideas that each seem valid.