Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Mutually opposed or inconsistent: Describes two or more things that cannot both be true or exist simultaneously because they directly oppose each other.
   • Involving or containing a contradiction: Characterized by elements that are logically incompatible or in conflict.
   • Given to contradiction: (Less common) Inclined to argue or disagree.

2. Noun:

   • A contradictory proposition: In logic, one of a pair of propositions where both cannot be true and both cannot be false at the same time.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The witness gave contradictory testimony, first saying he saw the suspect and then claiming he did not.
  • His actions are contradictory to his stated principles.
  • The two studies produced contradictory results.
• Noun:
  • In formal logic, "The door is open" and "The door is not open" are contradictories.

Advanced Usage

• Mutually contradictory: Emphasizes that two or more statements or facts cannot coexist.
  • The suspect's alibi and the security footage are mutually contradictory.
• Inherently contradictory: Describes something that contains a contradiction within its own nature or definition.
  • The concept of a "square circle" is inherently contradictory.

Variants and Related Words

• Contradict (verb): To assert the opposite of a statement or deny its truth.
  • The new evidence contradicts the initial hypothesis.
• Contradiction (noun): A combination of statements, ideas, or features that are opposed to one another.
  • There is a clear contradiction between his words and his actions.

Synonyms

• Inconsistent
• Incompatible
• Opposing
• Conflicting
• Paradoxical (when the contradiction seems surprising or self-defeating)

Antonyms

• Consistent
• Compatible
• Harmonious
• Corroborative

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A contradiction in terms: A phrase that combines words with opposite meanings, an oxymoron.
  • "Jumbo shrimp" is often cited as a contradiction in terms.
• To be full of contradictions: To have many conflicting aspects or qualities.
  • His personality is full of contradictions; he is both generous and miserly.

Adjective

1. unable to be both true at the same time
2. in disagreement
   • the figures are at odds with our findings
   • contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness- John Morley
3. that confounds or contradicts or confuses
4. of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false
   • `perfect' and `imperfect' are contradictory terms

Noun

1. two propositions are contradictories if both cannot be true (or both cannot be false) at the same time