At times you might come across two opposite answers about a particular issue from people you trust, and one of them has to be wrong. We can say that such statements “contradict” each other. If the word “contradict” is new to you, then this article will let you know the right “contradict” definition, meanings, and ways you can use this word in your sentences.
Contradict (verb): Not agreeing with something by saying that the opposite is actually true. Use the word when implying the opposite or denial of something or as a way of saying that something is untrue.
You probably have a lot of unanswered questions about this word. Worry not because this article covers all you should know about “contradict.” Besides the “contradict” definition and meaning, we’ll also let you know the correct “contradict” spelling, pronunciation, and history.
What is the Definition of Contradict?
Contradict (verb): Use the word to mean “to assert the contrary of or take issues with.” The definition applies when one story or statement has different facts from another, which means that one of the statements cannot be accurate.
“Contradict” goes beyond a story; use the word when you have conflicting theories, assumptions, statements, or feelings. Replace the terms disagree and oppose with “contradict.” Note that contradicting something does not mean your information is valid.
Example sentences:
- There was an awkward mood in the meeting since every question Maxwell asked was meant to contradict the wife.
- We got a statement of his opinion, but the facts contradict his view.
- No one wanted to contradict the C.E.O., but everything in his presentation was wrong.
What is the Meaning of Contradict?
Contradict means “to speak against or to forbid.” Use the word when you want to stop someone from doing something or taking action they said they would, but you disagree with it.
Example sentences:
- I hate to contradict you, but we will not be cooking pork tonight.
- I am not going to the park; I just did not want to contradict you in front of your friends.
- It does not matter what I say; you always find a way to contradict me.
Synonyms and Antonyms of the Word Contradict
Learning the synonyms and antonyms of a word helps you better understand the English Language.
Synonyms
- Deny
- Refute
- Disclaim
- Reject
- Confront
- Disprove
- Challenge
- Oppose
- Rebut
- Defy
- Depart
- Diverge
- Deviate
- Be at odds with
- Undermine
Antonyms
- Confirm
- Verify
- Allow
- Agree
- Defend
- Support
- Accept
- Approve
- Permit
- Assert
- Declare
- State
- Clarify
- Avouch
- Proclaim
- Agree to
Words That Rhyme with Contradict
Here is a look at the rhyming words of the term “contradict.”
- Addict
- District
- Afflict
- Constrict
- Evict
- Nicked
- Constrict
- Clicked
- Flicked
- Afflict
- Leaked
- Ticked
- Nicked
- Dict
- Bricked
Comparing Contradict With Words That People Confuse Contradict With
- Contradict vs paradox: Most people use the word contradiction in place of paradox. However, though these words are synonyms, they have a slightly different meaning in that contradiction is uncountable and the act of contradicting. At the same time, a paradox is uncountable when using contradicting statements in speeches and writing.
- Contradict vs hypocrisy: Contradict is to refuse something or state the opposite, while hypocrisy is the claim of the pretense of having qualities, beliefs, or standards.
- Contradict vs illogic: The word contradict means to speak against, while the word illogic means lacking logic or unreasonable.
- Contradict vs betray: To contradict is to speak against, while to betray is to deliver someone in the hands of the enemy or violation of trust.
- Contradict vs opposed: To contradict is to forbid, while to oppose is actively resisting a system.
How to Use Contradict in a Sentence
Contradict is a verb, which is the most common form of this word in sentences. However, you can use contradict as an adverb or adjective in its other different word forms.
From the word contradict, the phrase “contra” means “against.” Therefore, you can use the word “contradict” in sentences to mean going against or opposite of what someone is saying.
Is Contradict a Negative Word?
To “contradict” something does not imply that it is bad; the word is neutral and used when two people, groups, or bodies don’t see eye-to-eye or have divergent opinions. When learning a new word, most people start by finding out if it is a positive or negative word to know the best way to use it in their sentences. Neutral words are hard to understand, but you now know much about “contradict.”
Other Word Forms of Contradict
Contradictable (adjective): It means to refute or say something that is not true or something capable of getting contradicted.
Example sentences:
- After reading your statement, we noticed that everything you have written sounds contradictable to previous data.
- No one has dared question the president’s contradictable statement.
- The village elders called out the chief to give a contractible statement.
Contradictorily (adverb): In a matter that is contradictious.
Example sentences:
- Everyone got annoyed with the way he responded contradictorily, as though he did not care about the consequences.
- It is strange how most people have issues with handling computers contradictorily connected.
- Most religious people behave contradictorily to their teachings when behind closed doors.
Phrases with the Word Contradict/Contradiction
- Contradict oneself (idiom): To say or do something that is the opposite or even different in meaning to something else that you had said earlier.
- Fundamental contradiction: When a contradiction is fundamental, it serves as an essential component, and it needs serious attention.
- Obvious contradiction: It applies when the contradiction given in a statement is apparent to everyone, even the one saying it. This phrase has the same meaning with plain contradiction.
- Complete contradiction: The complete word contradiction means that the statement given is the complete opposite of the earlier report.
- Without fear of contradiction: The statement without fear of contradiction means that the person giving the information aims to contradict an earlier one without any contradiction.
10 Examples of Contradict in a Sentence
Concerning the definitions and meanings of the word contradict, can you construct sentences with the word contradict? Now that you have understood what “contradict” means, here are more sentences with the word.
- What Alex says and what he does contradict each other.
- Children of this generation are tyrants; they always contradict any authority figure.
- Do not listen to Mike; he is constantly contradicting himself so that he can confuse people.
- The results of the experiment seem to contradict the common findings.
- Tom and Tina contradict each other all the time.
- Why are you constantly contradicting me in front of the clients?
- It is not easy to contradict someone politely.
- Shem was shy, which explains why he was afraid to contradict her.
- After listening to the two sides of the story, I can now understand why they contradict each other.
- He soon learned not to contradict her husband in public.
How Do You Spell Contradict?
The correct spelling of the word is “C.O.N.T.R.A. D.I.C.T.”
If you know the English phoenix sounds, spelling the word “contradict” is easy. However, each time you write a new word down, double-check to ensure that you do not make any minor mistakes. At first, it might seem complicated, but after writing the word for some time, you will get used to the correct spelling.
How Do You Pronounce Contradict?
The correct pronunciation of the word “contradict” is “kon-truh-dikt.”
Do you know the correct pronunciation of the word “contradict?” If not, you have come to the right place. Before you say a new word out loud, understand the correct pronunciation. Note that a slight mistake could lead to unwanted embarrassment. Besides, you cannot become a pro in English if you do not know how to pronounce most words.
How Many Syllables Are In Contradict?
The word “contradict” has four syllables. These syllables get divided as “con.tra.dict.” “Dict” is the stressed syllable of the word.
History & Etymology of Contradict
The word “contradict” is from two different Latin words “contra,” which means against, and “dicere,” which means to say or speak. When these two words get combined, they become “ccontradicere,” meaning to speak against.
The new Latin changed the word to “contradictus” but retained the original meaning. Later, the word appeared in the English language as “contradict,” but still with the initial meaning.
Learn about words that have the same origin as the word “contradict” below.
From Contra
- Contrast
- Contrary
- Counter
- Counterbalance
- Country
- Contraindicated
- Encounter
From dicere
- Dictator
- Diction
- Predict
- Dictate
- Dictionary
- Token
- Revenge
When Was Contradict First Used?
The first use of the word “contradict” was in 1582. The word’s first use meant to assert contrary to or take issues with.
Conclusion
“Contradict definition and meaning” confirms that this is a word you can apply in many contexts. This word falls under neutral English words since it is neither positive nor negative. However, “to contradict” someone can be rude, and you need to be cautious when you air your opinion and use the word not to offend anyone. Use this article to practice the correct spelling, pronunciation, and usage of the word “contradict,” and you will be happy to grow your grammar prowess.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.