adjectiveadverb

widersprüchlich

contradictory

Wenn zwei Aussagen oder Gedanken nicht zusammenpassen und sich gegenseitig ausschließen.

The German word "widersprüchlich" is an adjective meaning "contradictory" or "inconsistent".

  • It is composed of "Widerspruch" (contradiction) and the adjective suffix "-lich" (similar to "-ly" or "-ic/-ical" in English).
  • "Widerspruch" itself comes from "wider" (against) and "Spruch" (saying or statement).

Similar words:

  • "kontradiktorisch" (contradictory, often in legal/philosophical contexts)
  • "paradox" (paradoxical, seemingly opposite but possibly true)
  • "inkonsequent" (inconsistent, not following the same logic)

Differences:

  • "widersprüchlich" emphasizes a direct contradiction between statements or ideas.
  • "kontradiktorisch" is more formal/legal, referring to mutually exclusive propositions.
  • "paradox" implies a surprising or counterintuitive contradiction.
  • "inkonsequent" focuses on inconsistency in behavior or reasoning, not always outright contradiction.

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Examples

Seine Aussagen sind oft widersprüchlich.adjective

His statements are often contradictory.

Die Ergebnisse erscheinen mir etwas widersprüchlich.adjective

The results seem somewhat contradictory to me.

Sein Verhalten wirkt widersprüchlich und verwirrend.adjective

His behavior seems contradictory and confusing.

Diese Aussage klingt widersprüchlich.adjective

This statement sounds contradictory.

Manche Aussagen klingen widersprüchlich.adjective

Some statements sound contradictory.

Manche Berichte wirken widersprüchlich.adjective

Some reports seem contradictory.

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