- Contradiction
- Contradiction Con`tra*dic"tion, n. [L. contradictio answer,
objection: cf. F. contradiction.]
1. An assertion of the contrary to what has been said or
affirmed; denial of the truth of a statement or assertion;
contrary declaration; gainsaying.
[1913 Webster]
His fair demands Shall be accomplished without contradiction. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. Direct opposition or repugnancy; inconsistency; incongruity or contrariety; one who, or that which, is inconsistent. [1913 Webster]
can he make deathless death? That were to make Strange contradiction. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
We state our experience and then we come to a manly resolution of acting in contradiction to it. --Burke. [1913 Webster]
Both parts of a contradiction can not possibly be true. --Hobbes. [1913 Webster]
Of contradictions infinite the slave. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]
{Principle of contradiction} (Logic), the axiom or law of thought that a thing cannot be and not be at the same time, or a thing must either be or not be, or the same attribute can not at the same time be affirmed and and denied of the same subject; also called the {law of the excluded middle}.
Note: It develops itself in three specific forms which have been called the ``Three Logical Axioms.'' First, ``A is A.'' Second, ``A is not Not-A'' Third, ``Everything is either A or Not-A.'' [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.