contradictory
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contradictory
Statements, information, actions, or feelings that do not fit together and are mutually exclusive.
Die Angaben des Zeugen waren in sich widersprüchlich und daher nicht glaubwürdig.
The witness's statements were internally contradictory and therefore not credible.
The adjective 'widersprüchlich' (contradictory) belongs to the word family of 'widersprechen' (to contradict; literally, to speak against something). It describes something that 'widerspricht' (contradicts) itself or other information.
Seine Handlungen sind oft widersprüchlich zu seinen Worten.
His actions are often contradictory to his words.
Especially with texts, statements, or arguments, the fixed expression 'in sich widersprüchlich' (internally contradictory) is used. This means that the contradictions lie within the same thing.
Der Bericht des Experten war in sich widersprüchlich und daher wenig hilfreich.
The expert's report was internally contradictory and therefore not very helpful.
This adjective often describes abstract things. Typical combinations are 'widersprüchliche Aussagen' (contradictory statements), 'widersprüchliche Informationen' (contradictory information), or 'widersprüchliche Gefühle' (contradictory feelings).
Die Zeugen machten vor Gericht widersprüchliche Angaben.
The witnesses gave contradictory statements in court.
When a person is described as 'widersprüchlich' (contradictory), it means that their behavior or character seems difficult to understand and illogical. You then speak of a 'widersprüchlicher Mensch' (contradictory person) or 'Charakter' (character).
Sie ist ein widersprüchlicher Charakter: mal sehr großzügig, mal extrem geizig.
She is a contradictory character: sometimes very generous, sometimes extremely stingy.
consistent
'konsequent' and 'widersprüchlich' are clear opposites. Someone who acts 'konsequent' follows a plan or principle without constantly changing course. Something 'widersprüchlich', on the other hand, does not fit together: statements, decisions, or actions are mutually exclusive or seem illogical. A person can also seem 'widersprüchlich' if they act one way today and completely differently tomorrow. 'konsequent' sounds orderly and understandable, while 'widersprüchlich' sounds more inconsistent and hard to understand.
Milas Erklärung war widersprüchlich, weil sie zwei verschiedene Gründe nannte.
Mila's explanation was contradictory because she gave two different reasons.
Vor der Reise plant Frau Hofmann konsequent jeden wichtigen Schritt.
Before the trip, Ms. Hofmann consistently plans every important step.