contradiction

Universal Words noun 1 [C,U] ~ (between A and B) a lack of agreement between facts, opinions, actions, etc: There is a contradiction between the two sets of figures. * His public speeches are in direct contradiction to his personal lifestyle. * How can we resolve this apparent contradiction? 2 [U,C] the act of saying that sth that sb else has said is wrong or not true; an example of this: I think I can say, without fear of contradiction, that... * Now you say you both left at ten-that's a contradiction of your last statement. IDIOMS a contradiction in terms a statement containing two words that contradict each other's meaning: A 'nomad settlement' is a contradiction in terms.