antilogy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareFormal, Academic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “antilogy” mean?
A contradiction in terms or ideas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A contradiction in terms or ideas; a statement or proposition that is self-contradictory or logically inconsistent.
In rhetoric and logic, a fundamental inconsistency between two or more statements, principles, or conclusions drawn from the same premises. It can also refer to a conflict between laws or a paradox inherent in a system of thought.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a scholarly, somewhat archaic tone. May imply a deliberate or structurally significant contradiction.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency in general discourse. Almost exclusively encountered in academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “antilogy” in a Sentence
The [theory/argument] rests on a fundamental antilogy.An antilogy between [X] and [Y] undermines the conclusion.to expose/resolve the antilogy at the heart of...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antilogy” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The philosopher's entire thesis was undermined by a basic antilogy he failed to address.
- Critics pointed out an antilogy between the author's stated principles and his narrative.
American English
- The legal argument collapsed due to an internal antilogy.
- Her essay explores the central antilogy of freedom versus security in the modern state.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, critical theory, legal studies, and literary analysis to describe foundational contradictions within a system of thought.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used or understood.
Technical
Used in formal logic and rhetoric as a technical term for a specific type of contradiction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antilogy”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antilogy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antilogy”
- Misspelling as 'anthology'.
- Using it as a synonym for a simple 'difference of opinion'.
- Overusing in contexts where 'contradiction' or 'inconsistency' suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An oxymoron is a concise, often deliberate combination of contradictory terms (e.g., 'deafening silence'). An antilogy is a broader, more systemic contradiction within an argument, theory, or set of statements.
No, it is a rare, formal term used almost exclusively in academic, philosophical, or literary-critical writing.
No, it is solely a noun. The related adjective is 'antilogical'.
Beware of the false friend 'anthology'. They are unrelated in meaning and pronunciation.
A contradiction in terms or ideas.
Antilogy is usually formal, academic, literary in register.
Antilogy: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈtɪlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈtɪlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To be] built on an antilogy”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ANTI-LOGIC' – it's against logic, a contradiction.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FLAW IN THE FOUNDATION (a crack at the base of an argument's structure).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'antilogy' MOST appropriately used?