A contradiction in terms
noun
A statement or concept that is self-contradictory or logically inconsistent.
The concept of a 'peaceful war' is a contradiction in terms.
Often appears as...
- 'clear as mud' is a contradiction in terms
- 'a known secret' is a contradiction in terms
noun
A statement or concept that is self-contradictory or logically inconsistent.
The concept of a 'peaceful war' is a contradiction in terms.
Often appears as...
- 'clear as mud' is a contradiction in terms
- 'a known secret' is a contradiction in terms
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Spotting Contradictions
Look for combinations of words that oppose each other's meaning.
Saying 'deafening silence' is a contradiction in terms, as silence cannot make noise.
Pro Tip 2/3Understanding Irony
Sometimes, 'a contradiction in terms' is used to highlight irony in a situation.
Calling a bankrupt millionaire 'rich' is a contradiction in terms that implies irony.
Pro Tip 3/3Detect Figurative Use
Recognize it as a literary device that can convey complex ideas in a few words.
The phrase 'living dead' used in stories is a contradiction in terms.
Pro Tip 1/3Spotting Contradictions
Look for combinations of words that oppose each other's meaning.
Saying 'deafening silence' is a contradiction in terms, as silence cannot make noise.
Pro Tip 2/3Understanding Irony
Sometimes, 'a contradiction in terms' is used to highlight irony in a situation.
Calling a bankrupt millionaire 'rich' is a contradiction in terms that implies irony.
Pro Tip 3/3Detect Figurative Use
Recognize it as a literary device that can convey complex ideas in a few words.
The phrase 'living dead' used in stories is a contradiction in terms.
Pro Tip 1/3Spotting Contradictions
Look for combinations of words that oppose each other's meaning.
Saying 'deafening silence' is a contradiction in terms, as silence cannot make noise.
Pro Tip 2/3Understanding Irony
Sometimes, 'a contradiction in terms' is used to highlight irony in a situation.
Calling a bankrupt millionaire 'rich' is a contradiction in terms that implies irony.
Pro Tip 3/3Detect Figurative Use
Recognize it as a literary device that can convey complex ideas in a few words.
The phrase 'living dead' used in stories is a contradiction in terms.
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