Reading Theme:
Contradiction: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：opposition between statements (contradiction)
contradiction
/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃn/
n.
It means two things that oppose or disagree with each other, so they cannot both be true or correct.
opposition between statements
➕
/ˌɒpəˈzɪʃn bɪˈtwiːn ˈsteɪtmənts/
n.
This meaning refers to the direct logical opposition between two or more assertions, ideas, or facts, where the truth of one invalidates the truth of the other.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin: contra- (against) + dicere (to speak) → contradictio.
💡 Mnemonic
CONTRADICTION sounds like 'can't be true diction' – speech that can't both be true.
📖 Example
There is a clear contradiction between his words and his actions; he always says he wants to save money, yet he buys expensive coffee every day.
There is a clear opposition between statements in his words and his actions; he always says he wants to save money, yet he buys expensive coffee every day.
🔗 Collocations
logical contradiction – a flaw in reasoning where two premises cannot both be true
in contradiction to – in direct conflict or opposition with something
point out a contradiction – to identify and highlight an inconsistency
🔄 Synonyms
conflict (n.) – a serious disagreement or incompatibility between ideas, feelings, or facts
inconsistency (n.) – the fact of containing or consisting of elements that are different or opposing
paradox (n.) – a seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
🚫 Antonyms
consistency (n.) – the quality of always behaving or performing in a similar way, or of always happening in the same way
agreement (n.) – harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling
🌱 Derivatives
contradictory (adj.) – mutually opposed or inconsistent
📖 Cultural Story
In logic and philosophy, the 'law of contradiction' or 'principle of non-contradiction' is a fundamental rule stating that contradictory propositions cannot both be true in the same sense at the same time. It is a cornerstone of classical logic.
Meaning 2：combination of opposites (contradiction)
contradiction
/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃn/
n.
It means a situation or thing that combines opposite features or qualities within itself.
combination of opposites
➕
/kɒmbɪˈneɪʃn əv ˈɒpəzɪts/
n.
This meaning refers to a person, thing, or situation that inherently contains or embodies opposing qualities, characteristics, or elements within a single entity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My little brother is a walking contradiction; he can be extremely noisy one moment and incredibly quiet the next.
My little brother is a walking combination of opposites; he can be extremely noisy one moment and incredibly quiet the next.
🔗 Collocations
a living contradiction – a person whose behavior or nature embodies opposing traits
inherent contradiction – a fundamental opposition of qualities built into the nature of something
apparent contradiction – a seeming or surface-level conflict of elements
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
consistency (n.) – conformity in the application of something; uniformity
uniformity (n.) – the quality or state of being uniform; sameness
🌱 Derivatives
contradictory (adj.) – mutually opposed or inconsistent
contradict (v.) – to assert the opposite of a statement made by someone
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