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English

contradiction

|con/tra/dic/tion|

B2

/ˌkɒn.trəˈdɪk.ʃən/

opposition or inconsistency

Etymology
Etymology Information

'contradiction' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'contradictio,' where 'contra-' meant 'against' and 'dicere' meant 'to speak.'

Historical Evolution

'contradictio' transformed into the Old French word 'contradiction,' and eventually became the modern English word 'contradiction' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'speaking against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'inconsistency or opposition.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a situation in which inherent factors, actions, or propositions are inconsistent or contrary to one another.

There is a contradiction between his words and actions.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

the act of saying something that is opposite or very different in meaning to something else.

Her statement was a direct contradiction of the facts.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40