Contradiction \Con`tra*dic"tion\, n. [L. contradictio answer, objection: cf. F. contradiction.]

1. An assertion of the contrary to what has been said or affirmed; denial of the truth of a statement or assertion; contrary declaration; gainsaying.

His fair demands Shall be accomplished without contradiction. --Shak.

2. Direct opposition or repugnancy; inconsistency; incongruity or contrariety; one who, or that which, is inconsistent.

can be make deathless death? That were to make Strange contradiction. --Milton.

We state our experience and then we come to a manly resolution of acting in contradiction to it. --Burke.

Both parts of a contradiction can not possibly be true. --Hobbes.

Of contradictions infinite the slave. --Wordsworth.

Principle of contradiction (Logic), the axiom or law of thought that a thing cannot be and not be at the same time, or a thing must either be or not be, or the same attribute can not at the same time be affirmed and and denied of the same subject.

Note: It develops itself in three specific forms which have been called the ``Three Logical Axioms.'' First, ``A is A.'' Second, ``A is not Not-A'' Third, ``Everything is either A or Not-A.''

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)