Definition

Adverb: In a manner that involves, expresses, or causes contradiction; in a way that is inconsistent or logically opposed.

Usage

Used to describe an action, statement, or situation that is done or exists in a self-opposing or inconsistent way. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the presence of contradiction.

Examples

• The politician contradictorily promised both lower taxes and a major increase in public spending.
• She felt contradictorily about the move, being both excited for the new opportunity and sad to leave her friends.
• The report's conclusions were presented contradictorily, undermining its overall credibility.

Advanced Usage

• In Logic and Argumentation: Used to describe a flaw in reasoning where premises or conclusions oppose each other.
  • The philosopher's thesis was built contradictorily, asserting that free will was both an illusion and the foundation of moral responsibility.
• Describing Complex States: Often used to articulate mixed or ambivalent feelings, behaviors, or situations that contain opposing elements.
  • He acted contradictorily, seeking closeness while simultaneously pushing people away.

Variants and Related Words

• Contradictory (Adjective): Mutually opposed or inconsistent.
  • The witness gave contradictory accounts of the event.
• Contradict (Verb): To assert the opposite of a statement or deny its truth.
  • The new evidence seems to contradict the initial hypothesis.
• Contradiction (Noun): A combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another.
  • There is a clear contradiction between his words and his actions.

Synonyms

• Inconsistently
• Oppositely
• Paradoxically
• Incongruously

Antonyms

• Consistently
• Harmoniously
• Logically
• Uniformly

Adverb

1. in a contradictory manner
   • he argued contradictorily