Contrary vs. Contradictory — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
Contrary involves opposition in nature or tendency, often implying a stark or clear-cut difference. Contradictory denotes direct opposition in assertion or proposition, where one statement negates the other.
Difference Between Contrary and Contradictory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Contrary views often represent opposing ends of a spectrum, suggesting a qualitative difference in opinion or approach, whereas contradictory statements cannot coexist because one directly denies the truth of the other. For example, preferring solitude is contrary to enjoying large gatherings, while saying "It is raining" and "It is not raining" at the same time is contradictory.
In discussions, contrary positions might lead to a debate where each side presents alternative viewpoints or solutions, while contradictory statements create a logical impasse, necessitating the rejection of at least one assertion to resolve the conflict.
Contrariness can enrich a discourse by introducing diverse perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of a subject. In contrast, contradiction often requires clarification or correction, as it indicates a fundamental disagreement with reality or established facts.
The distinction between contrary and contradictory is crucial in logical and philosophical arguments, where the validity of reasoning and the coherence of assertions are paramount. Contrary propositions can coexist in a nuanced discussion, but contradictory statements indicate a logical error that must be addressed.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Opposing in nature, tendency, or opinion.
In direct opposition, making mutual denial possible.
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Coexistence
Can coexist as different viewpoints.
Cannot coexist; one negates the other.
Nature
Qualitative difference or alternative approach.
Direct negation or denial.
Role in discourse
Enriches debate with diverse perspectives.
Creates an impasse needing resolution.
Implication in logic
Indicates divergent paths or choices.
Signifies a logical inconsistency.
Compare with Definitions
Contrary
Differing from expectations.
The weather took a contrary turn, contrary to the forecast.
Contradictory
Mutually opposed or inconsistent.
Their goals are contradictory, making cooperation difficult.
Contrary
Acting or behaving oppositely.
She acted contrary to advice, making her own decisions.
Contradictory
Expressing the opposite or denial of a statement.
Their accounts were contradictory, complicating the investigation.
Contrary
In a direction opposite to.
The boat moved contrary to the current, which required extra effort.
Contradictory
Denoting an element of a proposition that negates another.
The statement It is raining is contradictory to It is not raining.
Contrary
Being in opposition to something.
His views are contrary to the company's ethics.
Contradictory
Involving or containing a contradiction.
The witness gave contradictory evidence that puzzled the jury.
Contrary
Opposed in nature or character.
Their contrary opinions led to a heated debate.
Contradictory
Being in direct conflict with established facts.
The theory is contradictory to known scientific principles.
Contrary
Opposed, as in character or purpose
Contrary opinions.
Acts that are contrary to our code of ethics.
Contradictory
Mutually opposed or inconsistent
The two studies came to contradictory conclusions
Contrary
Opposite in direction or position
Our boat took a course contrary to theirs.
Contradictory
A contradictory proposition.
Contrary
(Music) Moving in the opposite direction at a fixed interval
Playing scales in contrary motion.
Contradictory
Involving, of the nature of, or being a contradiction
Contradictory reports about the vaccine's effectiveness.
Contrary
Adverse; unfavorable
A contrary wind.
Contradictory
Given to contradicting
The contradictory council members often ended up squabbling.
Contrary
(also kən-trârē) Given to recalcitrant behavior; willful or perverse.
Contradictory
Either of two propositions related in such a way that it is impossible for both to be true or both to be false.
Contrary
Something that is opposite or contrary.
Contradictory
That contradicts something, such as an argument.
Contrary
Either of two opposing or contrary things
"Truth is perhaps ... a dynamic compound of opposites, savage contraries for a moment conjoined" (A. Bartlett Giamatti).
Contradictory
That is itself a contradiction.
Contrary
(Logic) A proposition related to another in such a way that if the latter is true, the former must be false, but if the latter is false, the former is not necessarily true.
Contradictory
That is diametrically opposed to something.
Contrary
In an opposite direction or manner; counter
The judge ruled contrary to all precedent in the case.
Contradictory
Mutually exclusive.
Contrary
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse.
Contrary winds
Contradictory
Tending to contradict or oppose, contrarious.
Contrary
Opposed; contradictory; inconsistent.
Contradictory
(logic) Either of a pair of propositions, that cannot both be true or both be false.
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; wayward.
A contrary disposition; a contrary child
Contradictory
Affirming the contrary; implying a denial of what has been asserted; also, mutually contradicting; inconsistent.
Contrary
Contrarily
Contradictory
Opposing or opposed; repugnant.
Schemes . . . contradictory to common sense.
Contrary
The opposite.
Contradictory
A proposition or thing which denies or opposes another; contrariety.
It is common with princes to will contradictories.
Contrary
(logic) One of a pair of propositions that cannot both be simultaneously true, though they may both be false.
Contradictory
Propositions with the same terms, but opposed to each other both in quality and quantity.
Contrary
(obsolete) To oppose; to frustrate.
Contradictory
Two propositions are contradictories if both cannot be true (or both cannot be false) at the same time
Contrary
(obsolete) To impugn.
Contradictory
Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false;
`perfect' and `imperfect' are contradictory terms
Contrary
(obsolete) To contradict (someone or something).
Contradictory
That confounds or contradicts or confuses
Contrary
(obsolete) To do the opposite of (someone or something).
Contradictory
In disagreement;
The figures are at odds with our findings
Contradictory attributes of unjust justice and loving vindictiveness
Contrary
(obsolete) To act inconsistently or perversely; to act in opposition to.
Contradictory
Unable to be both true at the same time
Contrary
(obsolete) To argue; to debate; to uphold an opposite opinion.
Contrary
(obsolete) To be self-contradictory; to become reversed.
Contrary
Opposite; in an opposite direction; in opposition; adverse; as, contrary winds.
And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me.
We have lost our labor; they are gone a contrary way.
Contrary
Opposed; contradictory; repugnant; inconsistent.
Fame, if not double-faced, is double mouthed,And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds.
The doctrine of the earth's motion appeared to be contrary to the sacred Scripture.
Contrary
Given to opposition; perverse; forward; wayward; as, a contrary disposition; a contrary child.
Contrary
Affirming the opposite; so opposed as to destroy each other; as, contrary propositions.
Contrary
A thing that is of contrary or opposite qualities.
No contraries hold more antipathyThan I and such a knave.
Contrary
An opponent; an enemy.
Contrary
See Contraries.
Contrary
To contradict or oppose; to thwart.
I was advised not to contrary the king.
Contrary
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Contrary
Exact opposition;
Public opinion to the contrary he is not guilty
Contrary
Two propositions are contraries if both cannot be true but both can be false
Contrary
Very opposed in nature or character or purpose;
Acts contrary to our code of ethics
The facts point to a contrary conclusion
Contrary
Of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true but both may be false;
`hot' and `cold' are contrary terms
Contrary
Resistant to guidance or discipline;
Mary Mary quite contrary
An obstinate child with a violent temper
A perverse mood
Wayward behavior
Contrary
In an opposing direction;
Adverse currents
A contrary wind
Common Curiosities
Can contrary opinions coexist?
Yes, contrary opinions can coexist as they represent different viewpoints or approaches.
How do contrary and contradictory differ in logical arguments?
In logical arguments, contrary positions represent alternative viewpoints, while contradictory statements indicate a logical inconsistency that must be resolved.
Can a debate have contrary positions without contradictions?
Yes, a debate can have contrary positions that offer different perspectives without involving direct contradictions.
How do you resolve a contradiction?
Resolving a contradiction often involves examining the evidence to determine which statement is false or reinterpreting the statements to eliminate the conflict.
Is it possible for two facts to be contradictory?
Two facts cannot be contradictory; if they appear so, at least one must not be a true fact.
What makes a statement contradictory?
A statement is contradictory when it directly opposes or denies another, making both unable to be true simultaneously.
How do scientists deal with contradictory data?
Scientists investigate contradictory data through further research and experimentation to reconcile the inconsistencies.
Are contradictory statements always false?
Not necessarily; one of the contradictory statements can be true, but both cannot be true at the same time.
What does "contrary" mean?
Contrary refers to something that is opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
Can a person hold contrary beliefs?
Yes, a person can hold contrary beliefs on different matters, reflecting a range of opinions and perspectives.
What is a contradictory premise in an argument?
A contradictory premise in an argument is a statement that directly opposes another premise within the same argument, leading to a logical flaw.
Are contrary opinions valuable in discussions?
Yes, contrary opinions can enrich discussions by introducing diverse viewpoints and fostering a deeper understanding.
Can a situation be both contrary and contradictory?
A situation might involve contrary elements in a broader sense, but specific statements or propositions within it can be contradictory.
What is the role of contradiction in philosophical debates?
In philosophical debates, identifying and addressing contradictions is crucial for clarifying concepts and advancing understanding.
How do contrary and contradictory affect decision-making?
Contrary options can offer diverse paths in decision-making, while contradictory information can hinder decision-making until the contradiction is resolved.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
