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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

How to Use Contradict: Definition & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：say the opposite (contradict)

contradict 🔊

/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt/

To say the opposite of what someone else has just said.

Illustration of two people contradicting each other in a discussion, showing disagreement through body language.

say the opposite 🔊

➕

/ˈseɪ ði ˈɒpəzɪt/

To verbally express disagreement with something someone else has said.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'contra-' (against) + 'dicere' (to speak).

💡 Mnemonic

CONTRA (against) + DICT (speak) = speak against.

📖 Example

In the lively debate, he stood up and openly contradicted his opponent’s main point. 🔊 He directly opposed his opponent's key argument during a debate.

🔗 Collocations

contradict oneself – to say or do something that is the opposite of what one said or did earlier

contradict a statement – to say that a formal assertion is not true

contradict a claim – to assert the opposite of a declared fact or position

🔄 Synonyms

deny (v.) – to state that something is not true

refute (v.) – to prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false

oppose (v.) – to disagree with and attempt to prevent, especially by argument

🚫 Antonyms

agree (v.) – to have the same opinion as someone else

confirm (v.) – to state or show that something is true or correct

🌱 Derivatives

contradiction (n.) – a combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another

contradictory (adj.) – mutually opposed or inconsistent

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'contradict' stems from Latin 'contradicere', meaning 'to speak against'. It entered English in the 16th century via Old French. It reflects the core logic of formal debate and legal argumentation, where presenting an opposing case is fundamental.

Meaning 2：be in conflict with (contradict)

contradict 🔊

/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt/

To be in conflict with or be the opposite of another fact or statement.

Visual example of a product claim contradicting its nutritional facts, highlighting inconsistency.

be in conflict with 🔊

➕

/ˈbiː ɪn ˈkɒnflɪkt wɪð/

To be inconsistent with or directly opposed to a fact, statement, or piece of evidence.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The evidence found at the scene seemed to contradict the witness's original account. 🔊 The discovered facts appeared to conflict with the witness's initial story.

🔗 Collocations

contradict the evidence – to be at odds with the available facts or proof

contradict the facts – to be incompatible with established or proven information

contradict the record – to disagree with what is officially documented

🔄 Synonyms

conflict (v.) – to be incompatible or at variance; clash

contrast (v.) – to differ strikingly

negate (v.) – to nullify or make ineffective

🚫 Antonyms

support (v.) – to give assistance to; to provide evidence for the truth of

corroborate (v.) – to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding