Word

contradiction

noun C1

UK /ˌkɒntɹəˈdɪkʃən/

US /ˌkɑːntɹəˈdɪkʃən/

Meanings

noun

a conflict between two statements, ideas, or pieces of information so that they cannot both be true

noun

something someone says or does that is inconsistent with what they said or did before

Definition

A contradiction is a situation where two statements, ideas, or facts cannot both be true at the same time.

A contradiction happens when one statement conflicts with another, so they cannot both be correct. You can find a contradiction in someone’s argument, in reported facts, or between actions and words. Pointing out a contradiction often helps clarify what is wrong or inconsistent.

Examples

There is a clear contradiction between his public statements and the data released by the team.
I noticed a contradiction in my notes, so I went back to the original source to check the details.
She couldn’t explain the contradiction in her story without changing the timeline again.
They pointed out a contradiction in the report, and the authors revised the section to make it consistent.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse contradiction (inconsistent statements) with contrast (a simple difference) and use them interchangeably.