contradictory values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contradictory values" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe beliefs, principles, or ideas that are in opposition to one another. Example: "The company's mission statement reflects contradictory values, promoting both innovation and tradition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It reflects his longstanding belief that architecture, to be human, must somehow embrace seemingly contradictory values.

The New York Times - Arts

Those mutually contradictory values are, in many ways, the essence of war.

The Guardian - Film

They inhabit parallel worlds that are indeed hidden from one another, worlds with different timescales, odd priorities and contradictory values.

The Guardian - Books

The difficult questions of balancing competing interests, allocating scarce resources, and choosing among potentially contradictory values continued to present themselves, albeit in regulatory rather than legislative form.

Columbia University

"It reflects his longstanding belief that architecture, to be human, must somehow embrace seemingly contradictory values," Mr. Ouroussoff wrote in his review of the building.

The New York Times - Arts

Too many toleranced dimensions will increase significantly the manufacturing costs and may result in "tolerance clash," where a dimension derived from other toleranced dimensions can have several contradictory values.

Aeronautical Engineer's Data Book

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Contradictory value positions between the environmentalists and the Finnish state forestry enterprise can only partly explain the lack of legitimacy, because past decision-making processes form specific legacies affecting even the legitimacy of current decisions and compromises.

Forest Policy and Economics

In the ninth row, the number of regulatory links with a Confirming value higher than or equal to their Contradictory value but lower than twice the Contradictory value are determined.

BMC Systems Biology

The Ninth row shows the number of regulatory links that have a Contradictory value higher than their Confirming value.

BMC Systems Biology

Comparing set TFsf-TGblbs and set TFsf-TGbs, the percentage of regulatory links analyzed with a Contradictory value more than the their Confirming value increases from approximately 25percenttoto about 50percentt from set TFsf-TGblbs to set TFsf-TGbs.

BMC Systems Biology

The percentage of regulatory links analyzed with a Contradictory value more than the their Confirming value increases from approximately 25percenttoto about 39percentt from set TFsf-TGblbs and set TFf-TGpr.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethics or principles, use "contradictory values" to highlight inherent conflicts or dilemmas within a system or individual. This can add depth and nuance to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "contradictory values" when simpler terms like "different opinions" or "opposing views" are more appropriate. The phrase is most effective when discussing deeply held beliefs or principles that are fundamentally at odds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradictory values" functions as a noun phrase often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing inherent tensions in architecture, war, societal norms, and data analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradictory values" is a useful and grammatically sound expression for describing opposing or conflicting beliefs and principles. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it's most commonly used in scientific and news contexts to highlight ethical dilemmas, tensions within systems, or conflicting priorities. While interchangeable with phrases like "conflicting values" or "inconsistent values", it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where there's a genuine and significant opposition of values at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting values

Emphasizes the clash or opposition between different values.

inconsistent values

Highlights the lack of alignment or coherence among values.

divergent values

Suggests values that are moving in different directions or are fundamentally different.

opposing values

Indicates values that are directly against each other.

irreconcilable values

Emphasizes the impossibility of harmonizing or resolving the conflicting values.

incompatible values

Highlights the inability of values to coexist or work together effectively.

competing values

Focuses on the idea that values are in a contest or rivalry with each other.

paradoxical values

Highlights the seemingly self-contradictory nature of the values.

clashing values

Stresses the forceful disagreement or conflict between values.

antagonistic values

Suggests a deep-seated hostility or opposition between values.

FAQs

How can I use "contradictory values" in a sentence?

You can use "contradictory values" to describe situations where different beliefs or principles clash. For example: "The company's sustainability goals often reflect "conflicting values" when weighed against short-term profits."

What is a good alternative to "contradictory values"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "conflicting values", "inconsistent values", or "divergent values".

In what contexts is "contradictory values" most appropriate?

"Contradictory values" is particularly fitting when discussing ethical dilemmas, complex social issues, or internal conflicts within individuals or organizations. It highlights a fundamental opposition rather than a simple disagreement.

What's the difference between "contradictory values" and "different values"?

"Different values" simply means that values are not the same. "Contradictory values" implies a direct opposition or incompatibility that creates tension or conflict. For instance, valuing both individual freedom and absolute equality can lead to "competing values".