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1

contradictory

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noun con·tra·dic·to·ry \ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē\

Definition of contradictory

plural

contradictories

  1. :  a proposition (see 1proposition 2a) so related to another that if either of the two is true the other is false and if either is false the other must be true

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Origin and Etymology of contradictory

see contradict


First Known Use: 14th century

2

contradictory

adjective con·tra·dic·to·ry

Definition of contradictory

  1. :  involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction contradictory statements The witnesses gave contradictory accounts of the accident.

contradictorily

play \ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb

contradictoriness

play \ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

See contradictory defined for English-language learners

See contradictory defined for kids

Examples of contradictory in a Sentence

  1. contradictory predictions regarding stock prices that were of no help to investors at all

Origin and Etymology of contradictory

see contradict


First Known Use: 1656

contradictory Synonyms

Synonyms
antipodal, antipodean, antithetical, opposite, contrary, diametric (or diametrical), polar
Antonyms
noncontradictory
Related Words
adverse, negative, unfavorable; antagonistic, antipathetic, counter, cross, hostile; converse, inverse, obverse, reverse; alien, disparate, dissimilar, divergent, unalike, unlike
Near Antonyms
alike, analogous, like, similar; equivalent, identical, same; synonymous

Synonym Discussion of contradictory

opposite, contradictory, contrary, antithetical mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. opposite views on foreign aid contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid. made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. contrary assessments of the war situation antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

CONTRADICTORY Defined for English Language Learners

2

contradictory

adjective con·tra·dic·to·ry

Definition of contradictory for English Language Learners

  • : involving or having information that disagrees with other information : containing a contradiction

CONTRADICTORY Defined for Kids

contradictory

play
adjective con·tra·dic·to·ry \ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-tə-rē\

Definition of contradictory for Students

  1. :  involving, causing, or being the opposite of or much different from something else contradictory reports

Learn More about contradictory

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for contradictory Spanish Central: Translation of contradictory Nglish: Translation of contradictory for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contradictory for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contradictory

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