/ ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkʃn; NAmE ˌkɑːn-/ noun
1.
[ C , U ] contradiction (between A and B) a lack of agreement between facts, opinions, actions, etc. :
There is a contradiction between the two sets of figures.
His public speeches are in direct contradiction to his personal lifestyle.
How can we resolve this apparent contradiction?
2.
[ U , C ] the act of saying that sth that sb else has said is wrong or not true; an example of this :
I think I can say, without fear of contradiction , that ...
Now you say you both left at ten—that's a contradiction of your last statement.
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IDIOMS
- a contradiction in terms
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin contradictio(n-) , from the verb contradicere , originally contra dicere speak against.