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contradictory Definition

con·tra·dic·tory (kän′trə dik′tə rē)

adjective

  1. involving a contradiction; inconsistent
  2. inclined to contradict or deny

Etymology: ME contradictorie < LL contradictorius

noun pl. -·ries

  1. something that contradicts; an opposite
  2. Logic either of two proportions so related that only one can be true and, likewise, only one can be false

contradictory Related Forms

con′·tra·dic′·to·rily (-rə lē) adverb con′·tra·dic′·to·ri·ness (-rē nis) noun

contradictory Synonyms

contradictory

modif.

opposite, inconsistent, incongruous; see conflicting, different 1, incongruous 1.

contradictory Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • seemingly: However, there is seemingly contradictory evidence on the effectiveness of low vision services.
  • mutually: Not only are these extremes, they are mutually contradictory.
  • inherently: They further show the inherently contradictory nature of the concept of " Islamic terror " .
  • apparently: The reason for these apparently contradictory findings is the specific nature of each sport.
  • internally: This document purports to be a legal instrument, but it is internally contradictory.
  • sometimes: He begins by noting four criticisms of the gospels: They are sometimes contradictory.

Converse of object

see: The parent sees nothing contradictory in these responses, yet the child will be punished if it shows contradictory behavior.

Modifies a noun

  • impulse: These contradictory impulses can create confusion and stress for a manager trying to decide how best to act.
  • tendency: Hence, a contradictory tendency can also be detected.
  • finding: The reason for these apparently contradictory findings is the specific nature of each sport.
  • stance: In The Faerie Queene and in A View, there are contradictory stances toward Brutus.
  • statement: A: In the face of contradictory statements about the safety of GM foods, the consumer must decide whom to believe.
  • consciousness: This is the root of contradictory consciousness among the working class.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: These two positions may, at first sight, seem contradictory.
  • appear: Whilst I would agree with the comparison your reviews appear contradictory.
  • sound: Most people want to separate the two ideas, and make them sound contradictory.
  • become: Once a movement begins to make an impact, the role of the reformist leaders becomes increasingly contradictory.
  • remain: Although various studies have attempted to resolve this issue, the published data remain contradictory.

Noun used with modifier

  • self: If God were self contradictory, He would not be true.
  • bit: Some people might feel that truth number 2's corollary and truth number 3 are a bit contradictory.