contrapositive

noun

con·​tra·​pos·​i·​tive ˌkän-trə-ˈpä-zə-tiv How to pronounce contrapositive (audio)
-ˈpäz-tiv
: a proposition or theorem formed by contradicting both the subject and predicate or both the hypothesis and conclusion of a given proposition or theorem and interchanging them
"if not-B then not-A " is the contrapositive of "if A then B "

Examples of contrapositive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dispensing with the assumption of white male objectivity and its contrapositive. Franklin Leonard, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrapositive was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near contrapositive

Cite this Entry

“Contrapositive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrapositive. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!