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contradictory
/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktəri/
opposing or mutually exclusive
The two witnesses gave contradictory accounts of the accident.
The stories told by the witnesses were incompatible and could not both be true.
formal
Completely different from something else and therefore unable to exist together or be true at the same time.
Her statement was contradictory to the evidence found at the scene.
What she said did not match the physical proof.
Often used to describe statements, evidence, or behaviors that clash.
Collocations
contradictory evidenceproof that conflicts with other proofcontradictory statementsremarks that disagree with each othercontradictory feelingsmixed or conflicting emotions
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'contradictory' to describe facts or statements that clash. Use 'contradicting' only when describing an active action of someone arguing against another.
Gold Rule
Grammar Rule
Do not confuse 'contradictory' (adjective) with 'contradiction' (noun). Example: 'There is a contradiction in his story' vs 'His story is contradictory.'
Word Origin
From Latin 'contradictorius', from 'contradicere' meaning 'to speak against'.
Usage Notes
Use 'contradictory' when two things cannot both be true or correct. It is more formal than 'conflicting'.
Word Breakdown
contra-
against
prefixdict
to say/speak
root-ory
pertaining to
suffixEnglish Dictionary