contradictiousness
Definition
Noun: The quality or state of being inclined to oppose, dispute, or speak against something; a disposition towards contradiction or argumentativeness.
Usage Examples
- (Her tendency to argue or disagree with every point hindered group decision-making.)
- (The child’s habit of talking back or opposing others was temporary.)
- (His inclination to contradict others was perceived negatively.)
Advanced Usage
- "Contradictiousness in discourse": A rhetorical stance characterized by frequent denial or opposition to statements made by others.
- The politician's contradictiousness alienated even his allies, as he would argue against any proposal not his own. (His habit of opposing everything damaged relationships.)
Variants and Related Words
Contradictious (adj): Inclined to contradict; quarrelsome or argumentative.
- He was a contradictious person who could not agree with anyone. (He was argumentative.)
Contradictoriness (n): A synonym for contradictiousness; the state of being contradictory.
- The contradictoriness of the witness's statements confused the jury. (The statements were mutually inconsistent.)
Contradiction (n): A combination of statements, ideas, or features that are opposed to one another.
- There is a contradiction between what he says and what he does. (His actions oppose his words.)
Synonyms
- Argumentativeness: The tendency to engage in arguments or disputes.
- Contentiousness: A readiness to argue or quarrel.
- Disputatiousness: A fondness for debating or disagreeing.
- Oppositional tendency: A habit of resisting or challenging others' views.
Related Idioms
To have a contrary nature: To be naturally inclined to oppose or disagree.
- He has a contrary nature, so he always says the opposite of what others suggest. (His contradictiousness is inherent.)
To be a devil's advocate: To argue against a position for the sake of debate, not necessarily from true belief.
- She played devil's advocate, but her contradictiousness was just a debating tactic. (She argued oppositionally for discussion purposes.)