contradictory
kont-ruh-DIHKT-ree
Contradictory (adjective) means saying or implying the opposite of something else, so both can't be true. Example: “The two reports gave contradictory accounts of the accident.”
adjective
1
Saying or implying the opposite of something else, so both can't be true.
"The two reports gave contradictory accounts of the accident."
"His feelings about the move were contradictory — excited but also anxious."
"The sign gave contradictory instructions, saying both push and pull on the same door."
How to use contradictory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDirectly conflicting with something else, so both cannot be true at once.
Common pairings
contradictory statements
contradictory evidence
seemingly contradictory
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Word forms
- Plural
- contradictories
- Comparative
- more contradictory
- Superlative
- most contradictory
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two reports gave _____ accounts of the accident.
Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin contradictorius, from Latin contradico; built from contradict plus -ory.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for contradictory
See all rhymes for contradictory →Frequently asked questions
What does “contradictory” mean?
The word “contradictory” means saying or implying the opposite of something else, so both can't be true. In plain terms, directly conflicting with something else, so both cannot be true at once.
How do you pronounce “contradictory”?
“Contradictory” is pronounced kont-ruh-DIHKT-ree (/ˌkɑntɹəˈdɪktəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “contradictory” in a sentence?
Here is “contradictory” used in a sentence: “The two reports gave contradictory accounts of the accident.”
What is another word for “contradictory”?
Words with a similar meaning to “contradictory” include opposite.
What part of speech is “contradictory”?
“Contradictory” is an adjective.
Where does the word “contradictory” come from?
The word “contradictory” comes from Late Latin. Borrowed from Late Latin contradictorius, from Latin contradico; built from contradict plus -ory.
Is “contradictory” a common word?
“Contradictory” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
