Contradiction

usgb/ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪkʃn/
noun

A situation or statement in which two things do not fit together and cannot be true or correct at the same time.

You say you are not rich, yet you have two houses. This is a contradiction
Visual representation of "contradiction" - A situation or statement in which two things do not fit together and cannot be true or correct at the same time

Often appears as...

  • a contradiction in terms
  • contradiction between
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "contradiction"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Mutual Exclusivity

The identified contradiction means two things can't coexist; they cancel each other out.

Illustration for Mutual Exclusivity
Having both silence and a rock concert in the same room is a contradiction.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Spotting Paradoxes

Contradictions can signal a paradox where statements oppose, leading to a deeper truth or complexity.

Illustration for Spotting Paradoxes
Saying 'I always lie' is a contradiction, hinting at a paradox.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Debating Tool

Identify contradictions in arguments to challenge and dissect the opponent's logic or standpoint.

Illustration for Debating Tool
Claiming to be an environmentalist but driving a gas-guzzler is a contradiction worth debating.
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Compare with

anomalyantithesisconflictualconsistencydiscrepancydivergenceoppositionparadox
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Visual representation of the word "Contradiction"

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