contradiction

Everyday

1. A situation in which two statements or facts cannot both be true: «There is a contradiction between his two stories». tree →
2. Saying the opposite of what someone else has said: «She spoke without contradiction». tree →
3. A contradiction in terms: a phrase whose parts seem to oppose each other, like «a quiet shout». tree →

In the lessons

In maths and logic, a contradiction is a statement that can never be true, like «this number is both odd and even»; «proof by contradiction» shows something is true by showing its opposite leads to nonsense. In stories and detective work, contradictions in a suspect's account give them away. In reading lessons, pupils spot contradictions between texts. Phrases: «a contradiction in terms», «in contradiction to», «proof by contradiction», «without contradiction».

Examples

• There is a contradiction in your story: first you said Monday, then Tuesday. tree →
• «Freezing hot» is a contradiction in terms. tree →
• The detective noticed a contradiction in the butler's alibi. tree →
• In maths we used proof by contradiction to show there is no biggest number. tree →
• His actions were in contradiction to his promises. tree →
• Saying that all rules must be broken is a contradiction, because that is itself a rule. tree →
• The two websites gave answers in direct contradiction. tree →
• Soft tones and charming songs reached her ear, as well as harsh sounds and rough words--thoughts and opinions in strange contradiction to each other. tree →

Note

Countable (a contradiction, two contradictions). The verb is «contradict» (to say the opposite) and the adjective «contradictory». «Contra» means «against» and «dict» means «say». In maths, if you reach a contradiction, the assumption you began with must be false.

In Jewish tradition

In maths and logic, a contradiction is a statement that can never be true, like «this number is both odd and even»; «proof by contradiction» shows something is true by showing its opposite leads to nonsense. In stories and detective work, contradictions in a suspect's account give them away. In reading lessons, pupils spot contradictions between texts. Phrases: «a contradiction in terms», «in contradiction to», «proof by contradiction», «without contradiction».

Examples

• ()f the Sefer Yetzirah II little need be said ; it abounds in trifles, contradictions and repetitions. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →

Note

Countable (a contradiction, two contradictions). The verb is «contradict» (to say the opposite) and the adjective «contradictory». «Contra» means «against» and «dict» means «say». In maths, if you reach a contradiction, the assumption you began with must be false.