nounadjectiveadjective
la contradictoire
contradictory
Definition & meaning
- Contradictory: containing ideas or statements that conflict with each other, or expressing the opposite of something else.
- Des témoignages contradictoires. — Contradictory testimonies.
- Contradictory in tone: inclined to disagree or argue against what others say.
- In law, adversarial: describing proceedings in which each party has the opportunity to present and challenge evidence and arguments.
Grammar & Word origin
An adjective with the same form in the masculine and feminine singular: un argument contradictoire, une réponse contradictoire. The plural is contradictoires.
It comes from Latin contradictorius, related to contradicere, “to speak against.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- incompatible — incompatible; emphasizes that things cannot coexist, rather than that they directly contradict each other.
- opposé — opposite; broader and does not necessarily imply a logical contradiction.
- contestataire — dissenting or inclined to challenge authority; applies more to a person or attitude.
Antonyms
- cohérent — coherent or consistent, with no internal contradiction.
- concordant — agreeing or matching, especially for accounts or evidence.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Ce choix semble contradictoire.adjective
This choice seems contradictory.
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