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con·tra·dict (kŏntrə-dĭkt)
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v. con·tra·dict·ed, con·tra·dict·ing, con·tra·dicts
v.tr.
1. To assert to be untrue, often by saying the opposite: "The study contradicts the notion that merely keeping busy keeps people healthy" (Richard A. Knox). See Synonyms at deny.
2. To assert the opposite of a statement or idea put forward by (someone).
3. To be contrary to; be inconsistent with: "[Her] almost giddy warmth in conversation appears to contradict her image as a confrontational, politically outspoken performer" (Elysa Gardner).
v.intr.
To make a contradictory statement.

[Latin contrādīcere, contrādict-, to speak against : contrā-, contra- + dīcere, to speak; see deik- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

contra·dicta·ble adj.
contra·dicter, contra·dictor n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.