contradiction
kont-ruh-DIHK-shuhn
Contradiction (noun) means a statement or idea that is inconsistent with another, or that clashes with itself. Example: “There's a clear contradiction between what he said last week and what he's saying now.”
noun
1
A statement or idea that is inconsistent with another, or that clashes with itself.
"There's a clear contradiction between what he said last week and what he's saying now."
""A silent alarm" almost sounds like a contradiction in terms."
"Her cheerful smile was in stark contradiction to the sad news she carried."
2
The act of contradicting.
"She grew tired of his constant contradiction of everything she said."
"I won't tolerate contradiction from you on this matter."
"The lawyer's contradiction of the witness made the whole court pause."
How to use contradiction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA clash between two statements, ideas, or facts that can't both be true.
Common pairings
a blatant contradiction
contradiction in terms
logical contradiction
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like contradiction.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- contradictions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There's a clear _____ between what he said last week and what he's saying now.
Etymology
From Old French contradiction, from Latin contradictio, from contradicere ("to speak against").
Synonyms
View more →
contradiction in terms
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for contradiction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for contradiction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “contradiction” mean?
The word “contradiction” means a statement or idea that is inconsistent with another, or that clashes with itself. In plain terms, a clash between two statements, ideas, or facts that can't both be true.
How do you pronounce “contradiction”?
“Contradiction” is pronounced kont-ruh-DIHK-shuhn (/ˌkɑːntɹəˈdɪkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “contradiction” in a sentence?
Here is “contradiction” used in a sentence: “There's a clear contradiction between what he said last week and what he's saying now.”
What is the opposite of “contradiction”?
The opposite of “contradiction” — its antonyms — is tautology.
What part of speech is “contradiction”?
“Contradiction” is a noun.
Where does the word “contradiction” come from?
The word “contradiction” comes from Latin. From Old French contradiction, from Latin contradictio, from contradicere ("to speak against").
Is “contradiction” a common word?
“Contradiction” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “contradiction” have?
“Contradiction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement or idea that is inconsistent with another, or that clashes with itself.
