B2 noun Neutral

모순

mosun

A contradiction or inconsistency between two or more things, such as words, actions, or ideas. It describes a situation where elements are logically incompatible.

Examples

3 of 5
1

이 이론에는 몇 가지 논리적 모순이 발견되었다.

Several logical contradictions were found in this theory.

2

환경 보호를 외치면서 일회용품을 쓰는 것은 모순이다.

It is a contradiction to shout for environmental protection while using disposables.

3

성장과 분배라는 두 목표 사이의 모순을 해결해야 한다.

We must resolve the contradiction between the two goals of growth and distribution.

Word Family

Noun
모순
Verb
모순되다
Adverb
모순되게
Adjective
모순적인
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Memory Tip

Origin: MO (spear) - SUN (shield). A spear that pierces everything vs a shield that blocks everything. They cannot coexist.

Quick Quiz

그의 주장은 증거와 ____되므로 받아들일 수 없다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 모순

Examples

1

이 이론에는 몇 가지 논리적 모순이 발견되었다.

academic

Several logical contradictions were found in this theory.

2

환경 보호를 외치면서 일회용품을 쓰는 것은 모순이다.

everyday

It is a contradiction to shout for environmental protection while using disposables.

3

성장과 분배라는 두 목표 사이의 모순을 해결해야 한다.

business

We must resolve the contradiction between the two goals of growth and distribution.

4

증인의 진술에서 결정적인 모순이 드러났다.

formal

A decisive contradiction was revealed in the witness's statement.

5

너 방금 한 말이랑 지금 하는 말이랑 모순되잖아.

informal

What you just said and what you're saying now are contradictory.

Word Family

Noun
모순
Verb
모순되다
Adverb
모순되게
Adjective
모순적인

Common Collocations

논리적 모순 logical contradiction
자가 모순 self-contradiction
모순에 빠지다 to fall into a contradiction
모순을 지적하다 to point out a contradiction
모순을 해결하다 to resolve a contradiction

Common Phrases

앞뒤가 안 맞다

to be inconsistent (idiom for contradiction)

모순을 극복하다

to overcome a contradiction

사회적 모순

social contradiction

Often Confused With

모순 vs 역설

모순 (contradiction) is a logical error or clash, while 역설 (paradox) is a statement that seems contradictory but may reveal a truth.

📝

Usage Notes

Very effective word for IELTS Speaking Part 3 and Writing Task 2 when critiquing arguments.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use '문제' (problem) when they specifically mean a 'contradiction'.

💡

Memory Tip

Origin: MO (spear) - SUN (shield). A spear that pierces everything vs a shield that blocks everything. They cannot coexist.

📖

Word Origin

From the Chinese anecdote of the spear and the shield (矛盾).

Grammar Patterns

~와/과 모순되다 모순이 있다
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Cultural Context

The word '모순' is a classic 'Gosa-seong-eo' (ancient idiom) used daily in modern Korean.

Quick Quiz

그의 주장은 증거와 ____되므로 받아들일 수 없다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 모순

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