Definition

A situation where two ideas or statements are opposites of each other, often used in logic to show how one statement relates to another by negating their parts.

Example

In logic, contraposition helps to understand the relationship between different propositions.

Conversation

I was reading about contraposition in logic yesterday.

Oh really? What did you find interesting about it?

It’s fascinating how it shows the relationship between two propositions.

Yeah, it really makes you think about how ideas can be the opposite of each other.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Contraposition is formed from "contra-" (meaning against) and "positio" (from "ponere", meaning to place). The term refers to the act of placing something against another, particularly in logical arguments where the negation of a statement is considered in relation to its converse.

Memory Tip

Think of 'against' ('contra-') and 'placing' ('positio') to remember that contraposition involves placing one statement against another in logic.

Visually Confused Words