contradictory
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktəri/
KK: /kɒntrəˈdɪktəri/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is in conflict or disagreement with itself or another statement.
Example
His actions were contradictory to his words, making it hard to trust him.
Conversation
I read an article that had some really contradictory statements.
Really? That sounds confusing!
Yeah, it said one thing and then completely flipped to the opposite.
That's frustrating when writers do that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inconsistent
conflicting
opposite
Antonyms
consistent
harmonious
agreeable
noun
Definition
A statement or idea that is in conflict with another, making it impossible for both to be true at the same time.
Example
The two statements were contradictory, as one claimed it was raining while the other said it was sunny.
Conversation
I was reading about some contradictory theories in science yesterday.
Oh really? What were they about?
One theory claims everything is predictable, while another says it's all random and chaotic.
Root Explanation
Contradictory → It is formed from "contra-" (meaning against) and "dicere" (meaning to say). The word describes statements or ideas that say the opposite of each other, hence being against one another.
Memory Tip
Think of saying something 'against' ('contra-') what has been stated ('dicere') — that's why contradictory means opposing statements.
Visually Confused Words
uncontradictory
noncontradictory
intercontradictory
constrictor
cotraitor
interdictory
counteractor
cocontractor