mao dun
C1Formal and Academic
Definition
Meaning
A combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another.
A direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency. A person or thing that combines contradictory qualities or ideas.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning focuses on a logical inconsistency between propositions or statements. The extended meaning can apply to inherent conflicts within situations or entities (e.g., a person's actions).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The hyphenated form 'contradiction-in-terms' is slightly more common in UK than US publications, though both use it.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Carries a formal, logical, or rhetorical weight.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic and formal writing in both varieties. Equally common in educated speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be in contradiction with [something]be a contradiction in termsfind a contradiction in [something]point out a contradictionsee a contradiction between [X] and [Y]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a contradiction in terms”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to highlight inconsistencies in reports, market data, or strategic goals (e.g., 'There's a contradiction between our sustainability pledges and our supply chain audits.').
Academic
Central to logic, philosophy, and critical analysis of texts or theories (e.g., 'The study identified a contradiction in the author's early and late works.').
Everyday
Used to point out when someone's actions don't match their words (e.g., 'It's a contradiction to say you love animals but wear fur.').
Technical
In logic and mathematics, a fundamental concept denoting a proposition that is logically false under all interpretations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- His later testimony seemed to contradict his earlier statement.
American English
- The data appears to contradict the initial hypothesis.
adverb
British English
- He spoke contradictorily, first praising then criticising the plan.
American English
- The witness answered contradictorily under cross-examination.
adjective
British English
- She gave contradictory advice on different occasions.
American English
- We received contradictory instructions from headquarters.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His story was full of contradictions.
- There is no contradiction between being kind and being strong.
- The minister's public statements were in direct contradiction with the official policy documents.
- 'Honest politician' is often seen as a contradiction in terms.
- The central contradiction of the character lies in his desire for freedom alongside a fear of solitude.
- Deconstructing the text reveals inherent contradictions within its ideological framework.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CONtra' argument that 'DICTS' an opposing position. A CONtra-DICT-ion.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (to 'contradict' is to speak against), OPPOSING IDEAS ARE CLASHING OBJECTS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Beware of false friends. Russian 'контрадикция' is extremely rare and stylistically marked. The correct equivalent is 'противоречие'. 'Противоречие' covers both 'contradiction' and 'inconsistency', so choose context carefully.
- Avoid directly translating 'contradiction in terms' as 'противоречие в терминах'. The established Russian idiom is 'противоречие в определении' or 'внутреннее противоречие'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'contradiction' to mean a simple 'difference' (which is less oppositional).
- Confusing 'contradiction' (mutual opposition) with 'contraption' (a mechanical device).
- Incorrect spelling: 'contradiction' (correct) vs. 'contradiction' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'a contradiction in terms'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'contradiction' is a logical inconsistency that cannot be true (e.g., 'This sentence is false' as a declarative claim). A 'paradox' is a seemingly self-contradictory statement that may reveal a deeper truth or complex reality upon examination (e.g., 'Less is more').
Rarely. It typically has a negative connotation, highlighting error, inconsistency, or hypocrisy. However, in creative or dialectical contexts, 'creative contradictions' or 'productive contradictions' might be framed as sources of tension leading to development.
No. While its primary use is for opposing statements, it is commonly extended to describe opposing facts, situations, qualities, or forces (e.g., 'a contradiction between theory and practice', 'the contradictions within capitalism').
In formal logic, a contradiction is a compound statement that is false in every possible interpretation. It is a fundamental concept used in proofs (e.g., proof by contradiction) and is symbolically represented as a statement that is always false (e.g., P ∧ ¬P).