Basic Details
Word: Contradict
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To say the opposite of what someone else has said or to deny something.
Synonyms: Dispute, deny, oppose
Antonyms: Agree, confirm, support
Idioms and Phrases
- Striking a chord: To resonate with someone positively, but sometimes used when what one understands may contradict what is actually conveyed. Example: "His explanation struck a chord, but later I realised it contradicts the facts we have."
- Cross purposes: When two people's actions or intentions directly contradict each other. Example: "We were working at cross purposes and ended up undoing each other's efforts."
Usage Examples
Example 1: It is important to clarify your statement if you feel that the evidence contradicts what you said earlier.
Example 2: The witness's testimony seems to contradict the evidence presented in the case, leading to confusion.
Example 3: If you contradict your own argument, it may confuse your audience and weaken your point.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "contradict" comes from the Latin word "contradicere," where "contra" means "against" and "dicere" means "to speak"? This literally translates to "to speak against."
Famous Quote
"You cant be a leader and not contradict yourself." Andrew Sullivan
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "contradict" mean?
a) To support someone's opinion
b) To agree with what someone says
c) To say the opposite of what someone else has said
d) To share the same viewpoint
Answer: c) To say the opposite of what someone else has said
2. Which of these is a synonym of "contradict"?
a) Affirm
b) Dispute
c) Accept
d) Assist
Answer: b) Dispute
3. Which sentence uses "contradict" correctly?
a) She will contradict the rules by following them.
b) The weather report seemed to contradict the clear skies outside.
c) I contradict my homework every evening.
d) He contradicts in the garden every day.
Answer: b) The weather report seemed to contradict the clear skies outside.
4. What is the opposite of "contradict"?
a) Disagree
b) Oppose
c) Confirm
d) Deny
Answer: c) Confirm
5. Which idiom refers to working in ways that contradict each other?
a) Striking a chord
b) Cross purposes
c) To bury the hatchet
d) Heads or tails
Answer: b) Cross purposes
