self-contradictory
/'self,kɔntrə'diktəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- in disagreement
- the figures are at odds with our findings
- contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness- John Morley
- seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true
- it is paradoxical that standing is more tiring than walking