How to pronounce contradictory
Say it like kahn-truh-DIK-tuh-ree. Contradictory has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contradictory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kahn
- truh
- DIK
- tuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contradictory pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kahnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- truhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of contradictory
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kon-truh-DIK-tuh-ree.
What does contradictory mean?
- That contradicts something, such as an argument.
- That is itself a contradiction.
- That is diametrically opposed to something.
- Either of a pair of propositions, that cannot both be true or both be false.
Where does contradictory come from?
Borrowed from Late Latin contradictorius, from Latin contradico.
Words that rhyme with contradictory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of contradictory.
Questions about saying contradictory
How do you pronounce contradictory?
Say kahn-truh-DIK-tuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑntrəˈdɪktəri/. In British English it is /ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contradictory?
Contradictory has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (DIK). Broken into parts: kahn · truh · DIK · tuh · ree.
Is contradictory pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktəri/ (kon-truh-DIK-tuh-ree).