contrapositive

noun

con·​tra·​pos·​i·​tive ˌkän-trə-ˈpä-zə-tiv How to pronounce contrapositive (audio)
-ˈpäz-tiv
: a proposition or theorem formed by contradicting both the subject and predicate or both the hypothesis and conclusion of a given proposition or theorem and interchanging them
"if not-B then not-A " is the contrapositive of "if A then B "

Examples of contrapositive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Dispensing with the assumption of white male objectivity and its contrapositive. Franklin Leonard, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contrapositive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrapositive was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near contrapositive

Cite this Entry

“Contrapositive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrapositive. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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