contradiction
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.”
How to use contradiction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA clash between two statements, ideas, or facts that can't both be true.
Word forms
contradictions plural
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
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Related words
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.