French word

contredire

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃tʁədiʁ/

Meaning

  • verbcontradict

Example

Je dois te contredire sur ce point.

I have to contradict you on this point.

Illustration for contredire (contradict)

More examples

Il ne faut pas contredire ton patron en public.

You shouldn't contradict your boss in public.

Core concept

A verbal pushback across a conversation, with one speaker placing a position against another speaker's claim.

Common phrases

  • contredire quelqu'un

    contradict someone

  • se contredire

    contradict oneself

  • contredire un argument

    refute an argument

Similar words

contester: To challenge an opinion or decision and express disagreement.
objecter: To oppose an opinion by giving reasons for the objection.
nier: To deny a fact or statement and refuse to accept it.
s'opposer: To take an opposing position on a proposal or opinion.

Definition in French

Exprimer qu'une affirmation n'est pas vraie ou marquer son désaccord en s'opposant aux propos d'une personne.

Word origin

The verb comes from Latin contradicere, formed from contra, "against," and dicere, "to say," and passed through Old French.

Usage tips

  • Contredire takes the person as a direct object in contredire quelqu'un, while contredire quelqu'un sur un point specifies the subject of disagreement.

Other meanings

  • denyverb
  • opposeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word