Meaning
“Contradictory” means involving or expressing opposite or conflicting ideas, statements, or actions. It describes things that cannot both be true or consistent at the same time.
Grammar and Usage
-
Part of speech: Adjective
-
Common patterns:
- contradictory statements
- contradictory evidence
- contradictory beliefs
- be contradictory to something
It is often used in logical, scientific, or argumentative contexts to indicate inconsistency or conflict.
Example pattern:
A is contradictory to B → A and B cannot both be true.
Common Phrases
- contradictory statements
- contradictory information
- contradictory behavior
- contradictory evidence
- mutually contradictory claims
Collocations
- adjective + noun: contradictory results, contradictory opinions
- verb + contradictory: seem contradictory, appear contradictory
- noun + be + contradictory: statement is contradictory, belief is contradictory
Examples
- His actions are contradictory to his words.
- The witness gave contradictory statements during the trial.
- These two theories are mutually contradictory.
- Her explanation sounded contradictory and confusing.
- The data appear contradictory, suggesting errors in measurement.
- It’s contradictory to say you love animals but support animal testing.
- The report presents contradictory evidence about the cause of the problem.
- His personality is full of contradictory traits—both generous and selfish.
Synonyms or Related
- inconsistent
- conflicting
- opposing
- paradoxical
- incompatible
Antonym
- consistent
- harmonious
- compatible
- agreeing