Meaning & Definition of word "Contradiction"
Contradiction
/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃən/
noun:
- 1. a situation in which consistent elements or ideas are opposed or in conflict
- Example: His statement about being punctual was a contradiction to his habitual lateness.
- 2. the act of stating something that is opposed to another, typically in a logical argument
- Example: The contradiction in her argument weakened her overall point.
- 3. a statement or proposition that contradicts another or itself, creating inconsistency
- Example: It is a contradiction to claim that one loves freedom while simultaneously oppressing others.
Etymology
●From Latin 'contradictio', from 'contra' meaning 'against' and 'dicere' meaning 'to speak'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
contradiction in terms:
A combination of words or phrases that are contradictory.
contradict oneself:
To say something that opposes one's own previous statement.
walking contradiction:
Someone whose actions or statements are inconsistent.
Related Words
inconsistent:
Not compatible or in harmony.
paradox:
A statement that seemingly contradicts itself but may be true.