contradictory Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun two propositions are contradictories if both cannot be true (or both cannot be false) at the same time
  2. adjective satellite of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false
    • `perfect' and `imperfect' are contradictory terms
  3. adjective satellite that confounds or contradicts or confuses
    confounding.
  4. adjective satellite in disagreement
    conflicting; self-contradictory; at odds.
    • the figures are at odds with our findings
    • contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness"- John Morley
  5. adjective satellite unable to be both true at the same time
    mutually exclusive.

WordNet

Con`tra*dict"o*ry adjective
Etymology
LL. contradictorius: cf. F. contradictoire.
Definitions
  1. Affirming the contrary; implying a denial of what has been asserted; also, mutually contradicting; inconsistent. "Contradictory assertions." South.
  2. Opposing or opposed; repugnant.
    Schemes . . . contradictory to common sense. Addisn.
Con`tra*dict"o*ry noun
Wordforms
plural Contradictories
Definitions
  1. A proposition or thing which denies or opposes another; contrariety.
    It is common with princes to will contradictories. Bacon.
  2. pl. (Logic) propositions with the same terms, but opposed to each other both in quality and quantity.

Webster 1913