contradict
C1Formal and neutral. Common in academic, legal, journalistic, and professional contexts, but also used in everyday speech.
Definition
Meaning
To assert the opposite of a statement or claim made by someone, thereby denying its truth or accuracy.
To be in direct conflict with a fact, idea, or situation; to be inconsistent or incompatible with something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a direct, face-to-face or written opposition to a specific statement. It can be perceived as confrontational, especially if done publicly. The noun 'contradiction' refers to the state of being contradictory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The pronunciation of 'a' in the stressed syllable may differ.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects. Suggests a strong, often logical or factual, opposition.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in written/formal AmE, but the difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] contradicts [object: person/statement][subject] contradicts [object] with [prep. object: evidence/facts]it contradicts the idea/evidence/claim that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “contradict oneself (to say two things that cannot both be true)”
- “fly in the face of (to contradict something defiantly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in meetings or reports when data or statements are inconsistent: 'The Q3 sales figures contradict the projections from the marketing team.'
Academic
Common in critical analysis to discuss opposing theories or evidence: 'Her findings contradict the established hypothesis.'
Everyday
Used in arguments or discussions about facts or memories: 'Don't contradict me in front of the children.'
Technical
In logic/computing, refers to a state where two propositions cannot both be true.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The witness was careful not to contradict the official record.
- If you contradict the headmaster, be prepared for a detention.
American English
- The new data seems to contradict our earlier hypothesis.
- He contradicted his boss in the meeting, which was a risky move.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His story contradicts what his friend said.
- I didn't want to contradict my teacher.
- The official report appears to contradict the eyewitness accounts.
- She felt obliged to contradict his version of events during the interview.
- The minister's latest statement flatly contradicts the policy document issued just last month.
- Archaeological evidence from the site may contradict long-held theories about trade routes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONTRA' (against) + 'DICT' (speak). To speak against what someone else has said.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (to 'attack' a statement), TRUTH IS A STRAIGHT LINE (contradiction is a 'twist' or 'break' in that line).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'опровергать' (to refute) which is stronger and more final. 'Contradict' can be a simple denial. Beware of false friend 'контракт' (contract). The Russian verb 'противоречить' is a close equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'contradict to the fact' (correct: 'contradict the fact'). Using it as a noun: 'He made a contradict' (correct: 'He made a contradiction' or 'He contradicted me').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'contradict' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be perceived as direct or confrontational, especially in hierarchical settings. Phrases like 'I have to contradict you there' are formal and can soften the impact.
'Deny' is a broader term meaning to declare untrue or refuse a request. 'Contradict' specifically means to assert the opposite of someone else's statement, often in a point-by-point logical opposition.
Yes. Impersonal subjects are common: 'The facts contradict his testimony.' It means the facts are inconsistent with the testimony.
The primary noun form is 'contradiction'. The state of containing contradictions is 'contradictoriness'. A person who contradicts is a 'contradictor'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.