Contradict
/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo deny the truth of (a statement or person).
/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt/
To assert the opposite of a statement.
The witness's new testimony contradicted his earlier statement.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling a story, and your friend says the opposite of what you said. That means they *contradict* you. It's like saying 'no, that's wrong!' to someone's statement.
👶 For kids: To say something that is the opposite of what someone else said.
More Examples
Her story contradicts everything he told us.
To contradict a claim, one must provide evidence against it.
How It's Used
"The witness contradicted himself several times during the trial."
"Her actions contradict her words."
To be in conflict with.
/ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt/
To be inconsistent with; to be contrary to.
The evidence contradicts the defendant's claims of innocence.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite food is pizza, but you say you hate it. Your words *contradict* your preference. It means one thing doesn't match up with the other.
👶 For kids: To do or say something that doesn't match what you said or did before.
More Examples
Her lifestyle contradicts the image she tries to portray.
His behavior contradicts his claim to be a kind person.
How It's Used
"His actions contradict his beliefs."
"The law contradicts the constitution."
From Latin contradictus, past participle of contradicere 'to speak against', from contra 'against' + dicere 'to say'.
The word "contradict" has been in use since the 15th century and originally related to legal and theological disputes where opposing statements clashed.
Memory tip
Think of CONTRA (against) and DICT (say). To contradict is to SAY AGAINST something.
Word Origin
"to speak against"