Contradiction (Noun)
Meaning 1
(logic) a statement that is necessarily false; "the statement `he is brave and he is not brave' is a contradiction".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The phrase "this sentence is false" is a classic example of a logical contradiction.
- The statement "I always lie" is a contradiction because if it is true, then the speaker must be telling the truth, but if they are telling the truth, then they are not always lying.
- In logic, the statement "A and not A" is considered a fundamental contradiction that cannot be resolved.
- The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle argued that the concept of a square circle is a contradiction, as a shape cannot simultaneously have four sides and also be round.
- The sentence "I am simultaneously alive and dead" is a contradiction in terms because a person cannot be both states at the same time.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
The speech act of contradicting someone; "he spoke as if he thought his claims were immune to contradiction".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The politician's inconsistent statements were ripe for contradiction by the opposing party.
- Her opponent seized the opportunity to point out a glaring contradiction in her argument.
- His statement was met with immediate contradiction from the expert in the field.
- The interviewer pressed the celebrity for clarification, highlighting the contradiction between his words and actions.
- The professor encouraged her students to engage in respectful contradiction of each other's theories.
Related Words
Meaning 3
Opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas.
Classification
Nouns denoting relations between people or things or ideas.
Examples
- The politician's words were a contradiction to her actions, as she claimed to support the environment but voted against the green initiative.
- The existence of evil in the world is often seen as a contradiction to the idea of an all-powerful and all-good God.
- The company's mission statement emphasized the importance of work-life balance, but the long hours and demanding workload were a contradiction to this goal.
- The concept of a "jumbo shrimp" is a contradiction in terms, as shrimp are typically small and jumbo implies something large.
- The idea of a "benevolent dictator" is a contradiction, as a dictator by definition holds absolute power and is not accountable to the people.