contradiction Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas
noun (logic) a statement that is necessarily false
contradiction in terms.
- the statement `he is brave and he is not brave' is a contradiction
noun the speech act of contradicting someone
- he spoke as if he thought his claims were immune to contradiction

L. contradictio answer, objection: cf. F. contradiction.

An assertion of the contrary to what has been said or affirmed; denial of the truth of a statement or assertion; contrary declaration; gainsaying.
His fair demands Shall be accomplished without contradiction. Shak.
Direct opposition or repugnancy; inconsistency; incongruity or contrariety; one who, or that which, is inconsistent.
can be make deathless death? That were to make Strange contradiction. Milton.

We state our experience and then we come to a manly resolution of acting in contradiction to it. Burke.

Both parts of a contradiction can not possibly be true. Hobbes.

Of contradictions infinite the slave. Wordsworth.