Meaning & use
contradiction in terms
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
A phrase or idea that contains two parts that cannot both be true, so it contradicts itself.
Grammar: Used as a countable noun phrase: 'a contradiction in terms'. The plural 'terms' is fixed; do not say 'a contradiction in term'.
Patterns
- be a contradiction in terms
- call something a contradiction in terms
The idea of a 'peaceful war' is a contradiction in terms.
Some people say that 'honest politician' is a contradiction in terms.
Her description of the event was full of contradictions in terms.
Common combinations
- a contradiction in terms
- Calling it a 'true lie' makes it a contradiction in terms.
- seem a contradiction in terms
- A 'luxury hostel' may seem a contradiction in terms, but some are quite comfortable.
- describe something as a contradiction in terms
- Critics described the policy as a contradiction in terms.
Synonyms and how they differ
- oxymoron
- An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two opposite words, like 'bittersweet' or 'deafening silence'; a contradiction in terms is a broader logical idea that can describe a whole phrase or concept.
- paradox
- A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory but may contain a truth; a contradiction in terms is simply a phrase that cannot be true because its parts conflict.
Commonly confused: contradiction in terms or oxymoron?
contradiction in terms vs oxymoron
An oxymoron is a deliberate combination of opposite words for effect (e.g., 'living death'); a contradiction in terms is usually an accidental or logical conflict in meaning.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'contradiction in terms' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'A square circle' contains two ideas that cannot both be true, so it is a contradiction in terms. The other options misuse the phrase: it does not mean an action, a solution, or an argument.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “contradiction in terms”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.