Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Containing elements that contradict or oppose each other: Describes a statement, idea, or situation where different parts are in direct logical conflict, making the whole seem illogical or impossible.
   • Being both true and false under the same conditions: In logic, describes a proposition that cannot be consistently true because it asserts and denies the same thing.

Usage

• Used to describe statements, arguments, theories, or situations that are internally inconsistent.
• Often implies that the contradiction is inherent and undermines the validity or coherence of the subject.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • His statement was self-contradictory; he claimed to support equality while advocating for exclusive policies.
  • The ancient puzzle presents a self-contradictory command like "this sentence is false."
  • A self-contradictory proposal will never gain approval from the committee.

Advanced Usage

• Logical and Philosophical Context: In formal logic, a self-contradictory statement is necessarily false. For example, "It is raining and it is not raining" is a classic self-contradictory proposition.
• Rhetorical Device: Sometimes used intentionally in literature or speech to highlight complexity, paradox, or absurdity. For instance, describing a character's self-contradictory nature can reveal internal conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-contradiction (noun): The act or an instance of contradicting oneself; an internally inconsistent statement.
  • The argument was full of self-contradiction.
• Contradictory (adjective): Mutually opposed or inconsistent. (Note: This is a broader term; specifies that the contradiction is within a single entity).
• Paradoxical (adjective): Seemingly self-contradictory or absurd but possibly expressing a truth.

Synonyms

• Inconsistent
• Illogical
• Incoherent
• Oxymoronic (when referring to a two-word phrase that is self-contradictory, e.g., "deafening silence")

Antonyms

• Consistent
• Coherent
• Logical

Idioms and Phrases

• A self-contradictory mess: Used to describe a plan, argument, or situation that is hopelessly inconsistent and confused.
  • The new policy document is a self-contradictory mess that pleases no one.

Adjective

1. in disagreement
   • the figures are at odds with our findings
   • contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness- John Morley
2. seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true
   • it is paradoxical that standing is more tiring than walking