contradicts - Master This Word
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contradicts Word Meanings
- to say the opposite of something
- to deny the truth of a statement
- to conflict with something
contradicts Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- She did not want to contradict him.
- His actions contradict his words.
- Do not contradict what I said.
- Her smile contradicts her sad story.
- They often contradict each other in conversations.
contradicts Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌkɒn.trəˈdɪkt/
US
/ˌkɑːn.trəˈdɪkt/
contradicts Word Etymology
con- = with + tradicere = to speak against; from Latin to Old French and then into English. Imagine a debate where two people are arguing, each contradicting the other’s points, creating a lively discussion.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Contradict means to say the opposite of something, to deny the truth of a statement, or to conflict with facts or evidence. In use you typically contradict a claim, a belief, or a report, not a person’s feelings. It pairs with nouns like 'the theory contradicts the data' or 'she contradicted herself in the testimony.' Learners often confuse it with deny or dispute; 'deny' is about not accepting something as true, while 'contradict' emphasizes direct opposition or inconsistency with a statement or evidence. When you say ‘X contradicts Y,’ you are indicating a clash that makes both claims unlikely to be true at the same time.
Usage Reminders
- - Use with factual claims or evidence, not with feelings.
- - Common pattern: X contradicts Y or X contradicts itself.
- - Distinguish from deny (refuse to admit truth) and dispute (challenge politely).
- - Often used with data, findings, or theories.
- - After contradict, expect a clash or inconsistency between two statements or pieces of evidence.
Common Misconceptions
- Contradict means simply disagreeing; it always implies direct opposition.
- You can contradict a person’s feelings with the word.
- Deny and contradict are interchangeable in all contexts.
- You can say 'I contradict myself' in all situations.
- Contradict can be used without any evidence or data.
Thinking Differences
In English, contrad ict often stresses an objective clash between statements or evidence. Learners may overuse it in casual disagreement or replace it with 'deny' when the issue is factual rather than a claim.
Learning Tips
- Remember the object of contradict is the statement or evidence, not a person’s feelings.
- Use 'X contradicts Y' to show clash between two claims.
- Pair with data, findings, or theories for strong impact.
- Compare with deny (refuse to accept truth) and dispute (challenge formally).
- Watch for self-contradiction: 'The story contradicts itself.'
- Practice with both positive and negative forms.
Related Listening
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