Meaning & use
not self-contradictory
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Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformal
Not containing ideas or statements that oppose each other; logically consistent.
Grammar: Used after 'be' or 'seem': The theory is not self-contradictory.
Patterns
- be not self-contradictory
- seem not self-contradictory
The philosopher argued that the theory is not self-contradictory.
We must check whether the new rules are not self-contradictory before applying them.
Her explanation was clear and not self-contradictory, so everyone accepted it.
Common combinations
- prove not self-contradictory
- The lawyer tried to prove that the witness's statement was not self-contradictory.
- appear not self-contradictory
- At first, the proposal appears not self-contradictory, but closer reading reveals problems.
- remain not self-contradictory
- The definition must remain not self-contradictory under all interpretations.
Synonyms and how they differ
- consistent
- A simpler adjective; 'not self-contradictory' emphasizes the absence of internal conflict.
- coherent
- Focuses on logical connection and clarity; 'not self-contradictory' is more specific to contradiction.
Opposites
Word family
- self-contradiction noun
- The state or instance of contradicting oneself.
- contradictory adjective
- Involving two ideas that are opposed to each other.
Commonly confused: not self-contradictory or contradictory?
not self-contradictory vs contradictory
'Contradictory' means two things oppose each other; 'self-contradictory' means one thing opposes itself. Adding 'not' negates the whole idea.
Practice
A logical argument that does not contain any internal conflict is said to be ______.
Choose one answer.
The correct adjective form is 'self-contradictory', so the negative phrase is 'not self-contradictory'. The other options use the wrong part of speech: 'self-contradiction' is a noun, 'self-contradict' is a verb, and 'self-contradicting' is a participle that does not fit this fixed phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “not self-contradictory”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.