contradict
UK /ˌkɒn.tɹəˈdɪkt/ · US /ˌkɑn.tɹəˈdɪkt/ verb
Forms contradicts contradicting contradicted
- verb To deny the truth or validity of (a statement or statements). “His testimony contradicts hers.”
- verb To oppose (a person) by denying the truth or pertinence of a given statement. “Everything he says contradicts me.”
- verb To be contrary to (something).
- verb (reflexive) To say things that conflict with each other. “The prime minister contradicted herself during her speech.”
- verb (obsolete) To give an order contrary to (another order or wish), oppose (something).
- verb (obsolete) To give an order contrary to one given by (another person), oppose or resist (someone).
- verb (obsolete) To speak against; to forbid.
Synonyms
contravene disconfirm deny dispute question gainsay refute controvert withspeak belie negate oppose
Etymology
Derived from Latin contrādictus (“contradicted”), the past participle of contrādīcō (“speak against”) (originally two words).
Webster’s 1913
- verb To assert the contrary of; to oppose in words; to take issue with; to gainsay; to deny the truth of, as of a statement or a speaker; to impugn.
- verb To be contrary to; to oppose; to resist. [Obs.]
- verb To oppose in words; to gainsay; to deny, or assert the contrary of, something.
Etymology [L. contradictus, p.p. of contradicere to speak against; contra + dicere to speak. See Diction.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “contradict”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details