contradiction Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Con`tra*dic"tion noun
Etymology
L. contradictio answer, objection: cf. F. contradiction.
Definitions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Webster 1913