contradictory

/,kɔntrə'diktəri/
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contradictory

The witness gave contradictory statements about the time of the event.

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.
contradictory

The witness gave contradictory statements about the time of the event.

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