Contradiction

Definition

Contradiction refers to a situation in which two or more statements, ideas, or actions are opposed or mutually exclusive, often leading to conflict or inconsistency. It can describe a logical discrepancy or a situation where something both affirms and denies a particular truth at the same time.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃən/
• Respelling: kon-truh-DIK-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃən/
• Respelling: kon-truh-DIK-shuhn

The pronunciation of "contradiction" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "contradiction" originates from the Latin "contradictio," meaning "speaking against." It is derived from "contra," meaning "against," and "dicere," meaning "to speak." The term entered the English language in the late Middle Ages and has been used to describe opposing or inconsistent statements or actions.

Derivatives

• Contradict (verb)
• Contradictory (adjective)
• Uncontradicted (adjective)
• Contradicting (verb, present participle)
• Self-contradiction (noun)

Synonyms

• Inconsistency
• Discrepancy
• Paradox

Antonyms

• Agreement
• Consistency
• Harmony

Usage

The term "contradiction" is used in various contexts, from everyday conversations to academic, scientific, and philosophical discussions. It often refers to situations where two or more pieces of information conflict, creating confusion or opposition. In logic, a contradiction indicates that two propositions cannot both be true at the same time. In literature or rhetoric, contradictions can be used to highlight paradoxes or inconsistencies in a character's actions or beliefs.

Related Terms

• Paradox: A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true.
• Discrepancy: A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.
• Opposition: Resistance or dissent, often in contrast to a prevailing idea or situation.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A statement or situation that contradicts another: Refers to a conflict between two ideas or statements that cannot coexist logically.
  • Example: "There was a clear contradiction between his words and his actions."
• In logic, a combination of statements that are mutually exclusive: Describes a scenario where two propositions cannot both be true, indicating a logical inconsistency.
  • Example: "The claim contains a contradiction that undermines the argument."