contradiction
C1Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another, such that if one is true, the other must be false.
The act of saying or doing something that is the opposite of what has been said or done before, or a situation where two opposing facts or statements exist simultaneously.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used to describe a logical inconsistency, a conflict between statements or actions, or a paradox. In formal logic, it is a proposition that is necessarily false because it combines two mutually exclusive assertions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Both varieties commonly use the term.
Connotations
Identical connotations of inconsistency, paradox, and logical conflict.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in formal American academic writing, but the difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
a contradiction in termsa contradiction between X and Yin contradiction to Xto be a contradiction of Xto contain a contradictionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a contradiction in terms”
- “live a contradiction”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to highlight inconsistencies in reports, strategies, or market data, e.g., 'There's a contradiction between our marketing message and our actual product.'
Academic
Central in philosophy, logic, and critical theory to describe logical fallacies or opposing theories, e.g., 'The study points out a fundamental contradiction in the author's thesis.'
Everyday
Used to point out when someone's actions don't match their words, e.g., 'Saying you're eco-friendly but driving a huge SUV is a contradiction.'
Technical
In logic and computing, a statement that is always false; a condition that cannot be satisfied.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Your actions contradict your principles.
- The new evidence seems to contradict the official report.
American English
- His story contradicted the witness account.
- These findings contradict earlier assumptions.
adverb
British English
- He spoke contradictorily about his plans.
- The reports were contradictorily interpreted.
American English
- She acted contradictorily to her stated goals.
- The signals were sending messages contradictorily.
adjective
British English
- His statements were contradictory and confusing.
- We received contradictory advice from different departments.
American English
- The witness gave contradictory testimony.
- The data from the two studies is contradictory.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His story was full of contradictions.
- It is a contradiction to say you are happy but look so sad.
- There is a contradiction between what he promised and what he did.
- 'A quiet noise' is a contradiction in terms.
- The policy is riddled with internal contradictions that make it unworkable.
- She pointed out a glaring contradiction in the company's sustainability report.
- The novel explores the fundamental contradiction at the heart of human nature.
- His argument collapsed under the weight of its own logical contradictions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONTRA' (against) and 'DICTION' (speaking). It means 'speaking against'—either yourself or a fact.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTRADICTION IS A COLLISION/CRASH (ideas crashing into each other), CONTRADICTION IS A KNOT (an entangled, unsolvable problem).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'контраст' (contrast). 'Contradiction' is 'противоречие'.
- Do not translate 'contradiction in terms' literally; it's a fixed idiom meaning 'oxymoron'.
- Be careful with 'contradiction' vs. 'controversy' ('спор', 'разногласие'). A contradiction is a logical clash; a controversy is a public disagreement.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'contradiction' to mean 'a strong difference of opinion' (use 'disagreement').
- Mispronouncing as /'kɒn.trə.dɪk.ʃən/ (stress is on the third syllable).
- Incorrect preposition: 'contradiction with' (often should be 'contradiction between' or 'in contradiction to').
Practice
Quiz
In formal logic, what is a 'contradiction'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'contradiction' is a logical inconsistency between statements or facts. 'Hypocrisy' is specifically the contradiction between what a person claims to believe or feel and how they actually behave, often with a moral judgment.
Typically, it has a negative connotation of error or flaw. However, in creative or dialectical thinking (e.g., Hegelian philosophy), contradictions can be seen as the engine for progress and synthesis.
No. It can refer to situations, facts, or actions that are mutually incompatible, e.g., 'The luxurious poverty of the area was a striking contradiction.'
The verb is 'to contradict'. It means to assert the opposite of a statement or to be in conflict with. E.g., 'The facts contradict his testimony.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Abstract Thinking
B2 · 49 words · Words for ideas, reasoning and intellectual concepts.
Critical Thinking
C1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for structured logical reasoning and analysis.
Formal Debate Language
C2 · 48 words · Language for structured academic and political debate.
Explore