When it comes to the English language, many words can be confusing and even interchangeable. Two words that often get mixed up are “contrary” and “contradictory”. While they may seem similar, they actually have distinct meanings.
So, which of the two is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. Contrary means “opposite in nature, direction, or meaning” while contradictory means “mutually opposed or inconsistent”.
For example, if someone says “I believe in freedom of speech, but I don’t think people should be allowed to say whatever they want”, that statement is contrary because the two parts are opposite in meaning. On the other hand, if someone says “I believe in freedom of speech, but I think certain types of speech should be illegal”, that statement is contradictory because the two parts are mutually opposed.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and how to use them correctly in various contexts.
Define Contrary
Contrary refers to something that is opposite or completely different from something else. It can be used to describe ideas, opinions, or actions that are in opposition to each other. For example, if someone says “I love spicy food,” and another person says “I hate spicy food,” their opinions are contrary to each other. In this sense, contrary can be seen as a form of disagreement or opposition.
Contrary can also be used to describe a situation where one thing is preventing another thing from happening. For example, if a person wants to go outside but it is raining heavily, the rain is contrary to their desire to go outside.
Define Contradictory
Contradictory refers to something that is inconsistent or incompatible with something else. It can be used to describe statements, facts, or actions that cannot coexist or be true at the same time. For example, if someone says “I am a vegetarian,” but then they are seen eating a hamburger, their actions are contradictory to their statement. In this sense, contradictory can be seen as a form of confusion or inconsistency.
Contradictory can also be used to describe a situation where two or more things are in direct opposition to each other. For example, if a person is trying to go north, but their GPS is telling them to go south, the directions are contradictory to each other.
| Contrary | Contradictory | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Opposite or different | Inconsistent or incompatible |
| Example | “I love spicy food” vs “I hate spicy food” | “I am a vegetarian” but seen eating a hamburger |
| Usage | Describes disagreement or opposition | Describes confusion or inconsistency |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying your message effectively. Two words that are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings are contrary and contradictory. Understanding how to use these words correctly can help you avoid confusion and miscommunication.
How To Use Contrary In A Sentence
Contrary is an adjective that means opposite or different from. It is often used to indicate a contrast between two things or ideas. Here are some examples:
- Her actions were contrary to her words.
- The results of the study were contrary to what was expected.
- Contrary to popular belief, not all snakes are poisonous.
In each of these examples, contrary is used to show a difference or opposition between two things. It is important to note that contrary does not necessarily imply a contradiction or falsehood.
How To Use Contradictory In A Sentence
Contradictory is also an adjective, but it has a stronger meaning than contrary. It means two things that cannot both be true or exist together. Here are some examples:
- His words were contradictory to his actions.
- The evidence presented in court was contradictory and confusing.
- Her statements were contradictory and inconsistent.
In each of these examples, contradictory is used to show a direct conflict or inconsistency between two things. It implies that one or both of the things being compared is false or incorrect.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear. Remember, contrary indicates a difference or opposition, while contradictory indicates a direct conflict or inconsistency.
More Examples Of Contrary & Contradictory Used In Sentences
Understanding the difference between “contrary” and “contradictory” can be tricky, but with more examples, it can become clearer. Here are some additional examples of both words used correctly in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Contrary” In A Sentence:
- Contrary to popular belief, not all cats hate water.
- The results of the experiment were contrary to what we expected.
- His actions were contrary to his words.
- Contrary to what the advertisement says, this product is not guaranteed to work.
- Contrary to what the critics say, this movie is actually quite good.
- In contrary to what you may think, I do know how to cook.
- Contrary to what the weatherman predicted, it did not rain today.
- Contrary to popular opinion, not all millennials are addicted to their phones.
- Contrary to what the label says, this food is not gluten-free.
- Contrary to what you may believe, I am not a morning person.
Examples Of Using “Contradictory” In A Sentence:
- The witness gave contradictory statements about what happened.
- His actions were contradictory to what he had promised.
- There were contradictory opinions among the group about which restaurant to go to.
- The two studies had contradictory results.
- Her words were contradictory to her actions.
- His behavior was contradictory to his beliefs.
- The evidence presented in court was contradictory to the defendant’s alibi.
- Her tone was contradictory to the message she was trying to convey.
- The politician’s statements were contradictory to what he had said in the past.
- The data collected was contradictory to the hypothesis.
By seeing these words used in context, it becomes easier to understand the subtle differences between “contrary” and “contradictory”.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words contrary and contradictory, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using Contrary And Contradictory As Synonyms
Contrary and contradictory are not synonyms and should not be used interchangeably. Contrary means opposite or different, while contradictory means inconsistent or incompatible. For example, if someone says “the weather is contrary today,” it means the weather is different from what was expected. If someone says “the weather is contradictory today,” it means the weather is inconsistent or incompatible with something else.
Using Contrary And Contradictory In The Wrong Context
Another common mistake is using contrary and contradictory in the wrong context. For example, using contrary when contradictory is more appropriate can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. Similarly, using contradictory when contrary is more appropriate can make the sentence sound awkward and unnatural. It’s important to use the right word in the right context to avoid confusion.
Not Understanding The Nuances Of Contrary And Contradictory
Finally, not understanding the nuances of contrary and contradictory can also lead to mistakes. For example, contrary can also mean stubborn or obstinate, while contradictory can also mean argumentative or confrontational. It’s important to understand the different meanings and nuances of these words to use them correctly.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making mistakes when using contrary and contradictory, here are some tips:
- Look up the definitions of the words to ensure you are using them correctly
- Read examples of how the words are used in context to get a better understanding of their meanings
- Practice using the words in sentences to become more comfortable with their nuances
- Ask someone to proofread your writing to ensure you are using the words correctly
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “contrary” and “contradictory,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some different contexts and how the choice between these two words might change.
Legal Context
In a legal context, the words “contrary” and “contradictory” can have very different meanings. “Contrary” is often used to describe something that is in conflict with another thing, such as a law or a contract. For example, if a person’s actions are contrary to the terms of their employment contract, they may be subject to disciplinary action.
“Contradictory,” on the other hand, is often used to describe evidence or testimony that is inconsistent or conflicting. In a legal case, contradictory evidence can create doubt about the guilt or innocence of a defendant. For example, if one witness testifies that they saw the defendant at the scene of the crime, but another witness testifies that the defendant was elsewhere at the time, this would be considered contradictory evidence.
Scientific Context
In a scientific context, the words “contrary” and “contradictory” can also have different meanings. “Contrary” is often used to describe a hypothesis or theory that is in conflict with existing knowledge or evidence. For example, if a scientist proposes a theory that contradicts the laws of physics, this theory would be considered contrary to established scientific knowledge.
“Contradictory,” on the other hand, is often used to describe experimental results that are inconsistent or conflicting. In scientific research, contradictory results can indicate a need for further investigation or a need to refine the experimental methods. For example, if one study finds that a certain drug is effective in treating a particular condition, but another study finds no significant effect, this would be considered contradictory evidence.
Everyday Context
In everyday conversation, the words “contrary” and “contradictory” are often used interchangeably to mean “opposite” or “inconsistent.” However, there are still some subtle differences in meaning. “Contrary” is often used to describe a situation where one thing is the opposite of another thing, but both things can still coexist. For example, if someone says “Contrary to popular belief, not all cats hate water,” they are simply stating that there are some cats that do not hate water, even though most cats do.
“Contradictory,” on the other hand, is often used to describe a situation where two things cannot both be true at the same time. For example, if someone says “The witness’s testimony was contradictory because he claimed to be in two different places at the same time,” they are saying that the witness’s testimony is impossible to reconcile because it is not possible for someone to be in two different places at the same time.
Summary
As we can see, the choice between “contrary” and “contradictory” can depend on the context in which they are used. In a legal context, “contrary” is often used to describe something in conflict with another thing, while “contradictory” is often used to describe inconsistent evidence or testimony. In a scientific context, “contrary” is often used to describe a hypothesis in conflict with established knowledge, while “contradictory” is often used to describe inconsistent experimental results. In everyday conversation, “contrary” is often used to describe situations where two things coexist but are opposite, while “contradictory” is often used to describe situations where two things cannot both be true at the same time.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the usage of contrary and contradictory may seem straightforward, there are certain exceptions to the rules that should be noted. Here are some cases where the traditional rules for using these words might not apply:
1. Legal Terminology
In legal terminology, the word ‘contrary’ may be used to indicate a violation of a law or regulation. For example, “The defendant acted in contrary to the terms of the contract.” On the other hand, ‘contradictory’ is used to describe evidence that contradicts or opposes other evidence. For instance, “The witness’s testimony was contradictory to the defendant’s alibi.”
2. Philosophy
In philosophy, the terms ‘contrary’ and ‘contradictory’ are used in a more specific sense. ‘Contrary’ refers to a pair of propositions where one is true and the other is false. For example, “All dogs are mammals” and “No dogs are mammals” are contraries. In contrast, ‘contradictory’ refers to a pair of propositions where both cannot be true at the same time. For instance, “All dogs are mammals” and “No dogs are mammals” are also contradictories.
3. Contextual Usage
Contextual usage is another exception to the traditional rules for using ‘contrary’ and ‘contradictory’. In some cases, the words may be used interchangeably depending on the context. For example, “His actions were contrary/contradictory to his words” could mean the same thing, depending on the context in which it is used.
Overall, while the rules for using ‘contrary’ and ‘contradictory’ are generally well-defined, there are certain exceptions that should be taken into consideration. Understanding these exceptions can help ensure that these words are used correctly in various contexts.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between contrary and contradictory, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. The following exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of these two terms in sentences:
Exercise 1: Contrary Or Contradictory?
Decide whether the following sentences use the term contrary or contradictory correctly:
| Sentence | Correct Term |
|---|---|
| The study’s results were contrary to what we expected. | Contrary |
| Her actions were contradictory to her words. | Contradictory |
| The two witnesses gave contrary testimonies in court. | Contrary |
| His behavior was contradictory to his usual demeanor. | Contradictory |
Answer Key: 1. Contrary, 2. Contradictory, 3. Contrary, 4. Contradictory
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct term, contrary or contradictory, to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- The evidence presented in court was __________ to the defendant’s claims.
- His words were __________ to his actions.
- The two studies presented __________ findings.
- Her behavior was __________ to her usual character.
Answer Key: 1. Contrary, 2. Contradictory, 3. Contrary, 4. Contrary
By practicing with these exercises, you’ll be able to use contrary and contradictory with confidence and precision in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to understand the difference between contrary and contradictory. While the two words may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing and speech.
Contrary refers to something that is opposite or different from something else, while contradictory refers to something that is inconsistent or illogical. It is important to note that while two things can be contrary, they may not necessarily be contradictory.
When using these words, it is crucial to consider the context in which they are being used. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended message.
Therefore, it is imperative to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve communication skills and avoid common mistakes. By expanding your vocabulary and enhancing your understanding of language, you can effectively convey your message and avoid any misunderstandings.
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.