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B2 noun 7 min read

تضاد

tazad
Examples Notes & Tips تضاد in 30 Seconds
Explanation تضاد in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'تضاد' (tazaad) yet, but you might learn its basic meaning as 'opposite.' You will mostly focus on simple opposites like 'big' and 'small' or 'hot' and 'cold.' Think of 'tazaad' as the big umbrella word for these pairs. For now, just remember that things can be very different from each other. If you see a picture with black and white, that is a 'tazaad.' It's a formal way to say things are 'not the same' and 'against each other.' You might hear it in very simple art classes or when people talk about colors.
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At the A2 level, you can start recognizing 'تضاد' in simple sentences about colors or basic ideas. You might learn that 'تضاد' means 'contrast.' For example, if you are wearing a red shirt with green pants, someone might say there is a 'tazaad' between the colors. You should also recognize the adjective form 'متضاد' (motazaad), which you will use to learn antonyms (opposite words). If your teacher asks for the 'motazaad' of 'good,' you say 'bad.' This level is about building the foundation of comparing things that are different.
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At the B1 level, you should begin using 'تضاد' to describe differences in people's opinions or simple social situations. You can say 'The weather today is in tazaad with yesterday' if it was very hot and now it is very cold. You are moving beyond just colors to abstract ideas. You might use it to talk about how a movie was different from the book it was based on. You should be able to form simple sentences like 'There is a contrast between these two cities.' You are starting to see how 'tazaad' is used in newspapers or TV shows to describe simple conflicts.
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At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you should use 'تضاد' fluently in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You should understand the difference between 'tazaad' (contrast/opposition) and 'tanaghoz' (paradox). You can discuss 'تضاد طبقاتی' (class contradiction) or 'تضاد منافع' (conflict of interest). You should be able to identify 'tazaad' as a literary device in Persian poetry. Your sentences should be more complex, using prepositions like 'در تضاد با' (in contradiction with). You use this word to express deep, fundamental differences that create tension or interest.
At the C1 level, your use of 'تضاد' should be nuanced and precise. You use it to analyze complex philosophical arguments or social structures. You might write an essay on the 'tazaad' between modernity and tradition in Iranian society, using the word to explore the friction between these two forces. You understand the historical and Arabic roots of the word and can use it in high-level debates. You are also comfortable using synonyms like 'مغایرت' or 'تقابل' to avoid repetition and to provide specific shades of meaning. You can appreciate the beauty of 'tazaad' in classical Persian prose.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'تضاد.' You use it effortlessly in spontaneous, high-level discourse. You can discuss the 'tazaad' within the works of Hafez or Molana (Rumi) with the same depth as a native scholar. You understand the subtle emotional and psychological connotations the word carries in different contexts. You can use it metaphorically or ironically. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated thought, allowing you to dissect and describe the most complex dualities of human existence and the universe.
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Examples Notes & Tips

تضاد in 30 Seconds

  • Tazaad means contrast or contradiction in Persian.
  • It is used for visual, logical, and social opposition.
  • Commonly paired with 'dar' (in) or 'dashtan' (to have).
  • Essential for B2 learners to discuss complex topics and art.

The Persian word تضاد (pronounced 'tazaad') is a sophisticated noun that primarily translates to 'contrast,' 'contradiction,' or 'opposition.' It is a loanword from Arabic, derived from the root 'D-D-D' (ض-د-د), which signifies being against or opposite to something. In the Persian language, especially in formal, academic, and literary contexts, it describes a state where two elements are strikingly different or fundamentally incompatible. Whether you are discussing the visual contrast in a painting, the ideological contradiction between two political parties, or the internal conflict within a person's character, this word is your primary tool for expressing divergence.

Visual Arts
In the world of design and photography, تضاد refers to the juxtaposition of different elements of design (such as rough and smooth textures, dark and light values) in order to highlight their differences and create visual interest. For instance, the contrast between black and white is a classic example of this concept.

در این نقاشی، تضاد بین نور و سایه بسیار چشمگیر است. (In this painting, the contrast between light and shadow is very impressive.)

Social and Political Context
When discussing sociology or politics, the word is often used to describe 'class contradictions' (تضاد طبقاتی) or 'ideological conflicts.' It implies a deep-seated incompatibility that might lead to friction or change. It is more intense than a simple 'difference' (تفاوت).

In Persian literature and rhetoric, تضاد is also a literary device known as 'antithesis' or 'oxymoron.' Poets use it to create beauty by bringing together opposites like 'night and day,' 'fire and water,' or 'joy and sorrow.' This duality is a cornerstone of Sufi poetry, where the contradiction between the material and spiritual worlds is frequently explored.

رفتار او در تضاد کامل با گفته‌هایش است. (His behavior is in complete contradiction to his words.)

Daily Conversations
While it is a formal word, you will hear it in daily life when people point out hypocrisy or strange pairings. If someone says they love nature but constantly litters, a Persian speaker might point out the تضاد in their actions.

ما باید تضادهای درونی خود را حل کنیم. (We must resolve our internal contradictions.)

بین سنت و مدرنیته تضاد عمیقی وجود دارد. (There is a deep contrast/contradiction between tradition and modernity.)

او سعی کرد با استفاده از تضاد رنگ‌ها، توجه مخاطب را جلب کند. (He tried to attract the audience's attention by using the contrast of colors.)

Using تضاد correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement. It is almost always used as a noun, often following prepositions like 'در' (in) or accompanied by the verb 'داشتن' (to have). The most common construction is 'در تضاد بودن با...' which means 'to be in contradiction/contrast with...' or 'تضاد داشتن با...' which means 'to have a contrast with...'

Structure: Noun + Verb
The word functions as the subject or object of the sentence. Example: 'این تضاد آشکار است' (This contrast is obvious). Here, 'tazaad' is the subject modified by the adjective 'ashkaar' (obvious).

گزارش‌های پلیس در تضاد با هم بودند. (The police reports were in contradiction with each other.)

Compound Verbs
While 'تضاد' itself is a noun, it can form the basis of descriptive phrases. You don't usually 'tazaad-ing' something; instead, you 'create contrast' (ایجاد تضاد کردن) or 'show contrast' (تضاد را نشان دادن).

In academic writing, you will often see it used to describe theoretical discrepancies. For example, in a thesis about economics, one might write about the 'tazaad' between supply and demand in a specific market condition. In literary analysis, you might discuss the 'tazaad' between a character's internal desires and their external environment.

نویسنده از تضاد طبقاتی برای پیشبرد داستان استفاده می‌کند. (The author uses class contradiction to advance the story.)

Adjective Form
The adjective 'متضاد' (motazaad) means 'opposite' or 'contrary.' It is often used to describe words (synonyms and antonyms). 'کلمات متضاد' means 'antonyms.'

این دو ایده کاملاً متضاد هستند. (These two ideas are completely opposite.)

او همیشه در تضاد با نظر جمع صحبت می‌کند. (He always speaks in opposition to the group's opinion.)

آیا متوجه تضاد در حرف‌هایش شدی؟ (Did you notice the contradiction in his words?)

While تضاد is a B2-level word, its presence is ubiquitous in Persian media, higher education, and intellectual discourse. If you tune into a Persian news channel like BBC Persian or Iran International, you will frequently hear analysts discussing the 'tazaad' between different political factions or the 'tazaad' between a government's promises and its actions.

News and Analysis
Journalists use 'تضاد منافع' (conflict of interest) to describe situations where personal gain clashes with professional duty. This is a very common phrase in legal and political reporting.

در این پرونده، یک تضاد منافع جدی وجود دارد. (In this case, there is a serious conflict of interest.)

Art and Architecture Criticism
In Iranian architecture, which often balances heavy brickwork with delicate tilework, critics use 'تضاد' to describe the harmony found through opposites. You'll hear it in museum tours or art documentaries.

In the classroom, especially in literature or philosophy lessons, teachers will ask students to identify the 'tazaad' in a poem. Persian poetry is famous for its use of opposites to describe the human condition. For example, Rumi often speaks of the 'tazaad' between the body and the soul.

اشعار حافظ پر از تضادهای عرفانی است. (Hafez's poems are full of mystical contradictions.)

Psychology and Self-Help
Persian-speaking psychologists often talk about 'تضادهای درونی' (internal conflicts). If you watch a webinar on mental health in Persian, you are likely to encounter this term.

او دچار تضاد فکری شده است. (He has developed an intellectual contradiction/conflict.)

سینمای ایران اغلب بر تضادهای اجتماعی تمرکز دارد. (Iranian cinema often focuses on social contradictions.)

این رنگ‌ها تضاد زیبایی ایجاد کرده‌اند. (These colors have created a beautiful contrast.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing تضاد with other words that mean 'difference' or 'argument.' While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Understanding the nuance is key to sounding like a native speaker at the B2 level.

Tazaad vs. Tafavot
'Tafavot' (تفاوت) is a general word for 'difference.' Use it for things that are just not the same (e.g., the difference between an apple and an orange). Use 'Tazaad' when the difference is sharp, opposing, or contradictory (e.g., the contrast between extreme wealth and extreme poverty).

اشتباه: بین این دو میوه تضاد هست. (Wrong: There is a contradiction between these two fruits.)

Tazaad vs. Ekhtelaf
'Ekhtelaf' (اختلاف) usually means 'disagreement' or 'variation.' If two people are arguing, they have an 'ekhtelaf-e nazar' (difference of opinion). 'Tazaad' refers to the abstract concept of the opposition itself, not necessarily the act of arguing.

Another mistake is using 'tazaad' when you mean 'opposite direction.' For 'opposite direction,' the correct word is 'jahat-e mokhalef' (جهت مخالف). 'Tazaad' is for qualities, ideas, or visual elements, not physical vectors.

درست: او در تضاد با من حرف زد. (Correct: He spoke in opposition to me.)

Confusing Noun and Adjective
Remember that 'tazaad' is the noun (contrast) and 'motazaad' is the adjective (contrary/opposite). You cannot say 'این دو رنگ تضاد هستند' (These two colors are contrast); you must say 'این دو رنگ متضاد هستند' (These two colors are opposite/contrasting).

اشتباه: این حرف تضاد با آن است. (Incorrect usage of noun as adjective.)

درست: این حرف در تضاد با آن است. (Correct: This statement is in contradiction with that.)

نباید تضاد را با دشمنی اشتباه گرفت. (One should not mistake contrast/contradiction for enmity.)

To expand your Persian vocabulary, it's helpful to see where تضاد sits among its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning.

مغایرت (Moghayerat)
Meaning: Discrepancy or inconsistency. This is very common in administrative and legal contexts. If two documents don't match, they have 'moghayerat.' It is less about 'opposites' and more about 'lack of alignment.'
تناقض (Tanaghoz)
Meaning: Paradox or logical contradiction. While 'tazaad' can be visual or social, 'tanaghoz' is often used for logic and speech. If someone says 'I am a liar,' that is a 'tanaghoz.'
تقابل (Taghabol)
Meaning: Confrontation or juxtaposition. This suggests two things standing face-to-face. It is often used in literary criticism to describe the 'taghabol' of two characters.

When you want to emphasize the 'clash' aspect, you might use 'کشمکش' (keshmakesh), which means 'struggle' or 'conflict.' If the 'tazaad' leads to an actual fight or dispute, 'نزاع' (nezaa') or 'درگیری' (dargiri) would be more appropriate.

بین حرف و عمل او تناقض وجود دارد. (There is a paradox/logical contradiction between his words and actions.)

این دو گزارش با هم مغایرت دارند. (These two reports have a discrepancy.)

او در تقابل با سنت‌ها قد علم کرد. (He stood up in confrontation with traditions.)

در این داستان، تضاد خیر و شر محور اصلی است. (In this story, the contrast/opposition of good and evil is the main axis.)

Fun Fact

The root 'Dadd' is famous in Arabic as the letter 'Dad' (ض) is considered unique to the Arabic language, which is often called 'the language of the Dad.' In Persian, 'tazaad' has been used for centuries in classical poetry.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tæˈzɒːd/
US /tæˈzɑːd/
The stress is on the second syllable: ta-ZAAD.
Rhymes With
بی‌سواد (bi-savad) فریاد (faryad) بنیاد (bonyad) ایجاد (ijad) اعتماد (etemad) اقتصاد (eghtesad) استعداد (estedad) میلاد (milad)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the first 'a' like the 'a' in 'father'. It should be short like 'cat'.
  • Pronouncing the 'z' as 's'.
  • Failing to lengthen the second 'aa' sound.
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
  • Confusing it with 'tazaad' in other languages like Urdu where the nuance might differ slightly.
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Examples by Level

1

این دو رنگ تضاد دارند.

These two colors have contrast.

Simple noun usage.

2

تضاد خوب است.

Contrast is good.

Subject + adjective.

3

سیاه و سفید تضاد هستند.

Black and white are opposites (concept).

Noun as concept.

4

من تضاد را دوست دارم.

I like contrast.

Direct object.

5

تضاد در نقاشی.

Contrast in painting.

Prepositional phrase.

6

این تضاد بزرگ است.

This contrast is big.

Noun + adjective.

7

تضاد شب و روز.

The contrast of night and day.

Ezafe construction.

8

تضاد سرد و گرم.

The contrast of cold and hot.

Ezafe construction.

1

کلمات متضاد را پیدا کنید.

Find the opposite words.

Using the adjective form 'motazaad'.

2

بین حرف و عمل او تضاد هست.

There is a contrast between his words and actions.

Using 'بین' (between).

3

این لباس تضاد زیبایی دارد.

This dress has a beautiful contrast.

Noun + adjective + verb.

4

تضاد رنگ‌ها در پاییز.

The contrast of colors in autumn.

Plural noun.

5

او تضاد را نمی‌فهمد.

He doesn't understand the contrast.

Negative verb.

6

تضاد بین تهران و روستا.

The contrast between Tehran and the village.

Comparing two places.

7

ما به تضاد نیاز داریم.

We need contrast.

Verb 'niyaaz daashtan'.

8

تضاد در این عکس مشهود است.

The contrast is evident in this photo.

Formal adjective 'mash-hood'.

1

رفتار او در تضاد با شخصیتش است.

His behavior is in contradiction with his personality.

Using 'در تضاد با'.

2

تضاد طبقاتی در شهر زیاد است.

Class contradiction is high in the city.

Social terminology.

3

این دو ایده در تضاد هستند.

These two ideas are in opposition.

Abstract concept.

4

نویسنده تضادهای درونی قهرمان را نشان می‌دهد.

The author shows the hero's internal contradictions.

Plural with ezafe.

5

او همیشه تضاد ایجاد می‌کند.

He always creates conflict/contrast.

Compound verb 'ijaad kardan'.

6

تضاد منافع باعث مشکل شد.

Conflict of interest caused a problem.

Common phrase 'tazaad-e manafe'.

7

در این شعر تضاد زیبایی وجود دارد.

There is a beautiful antithesis in this poem.

Literary context.

8

تضاد بین سنت و مدرنیته جالب است.

The contrast between tradition and modernity is interesting.

Cultural theme.

1

سیاست‌های جدید در تضاد با قوانین قبلی است.

The new policies are in contradiction with previous laws.

Formal/Legal context.

2

او سعی کرد تضادهای موجود را حل کند.

He tried to resolve the existing contradictions.

Complex verb 'hal kardan'.

3

تضاد دیالکتیکی یکی از مفاهیم فلسفی است.

Dialectical contradiction is one of the philosophical concepts.

Academic terminology.

4

این فیلم تضادهای جامعه مدرن را نقد می‌کند.

This movie criticizes the contradictions of modern society.

Critical analysis.

5

تضاد شدیدی بین این دو نظریه وجود دارد.

There is a severe contrast between these two theories.

Intensifying adjective 'shadid'.

6

او با تضادهای اخلاقی روبرو شد.

He faced moral contradictions/conflicts.

Abstract plural.

7

تضاد نژادی هنوز یک مسئله جهانی است.

Racial contradiction/conflict is still a global issue.

Sociopolitical context.

8

در آثار او، تضاد به یک سبک تبدیل شده است.

In his works, contrast has become a style.

Art criticism.

1

تضادهای ساختاری مانع پیشرفت اقتصادی هستند.

Structural contradictions are hindering economic progress.

Advanced economic term.

2

او به واکاوی تضادهای نهفته در متن پرداخت.

He proceeded to analyze the latent contradictions in the text.

High-level vocabulary 'vaakaavi'.

3

تضاد میان عقل و عشق تم اصلی این منظومه است.

The contradiction between reason and love is the main theme of this poem.

Classical literary analysis.

4

این تضاد آشتی‌ناپذیر به نظر می‌رسد.

This contradiction seems irreconcilable.

Advanced adjective 'aashti-na-pazir'.

5

فیلسوف از تضاد به عنوان ابزاری برای شناخت استفاده می‌کند.

The philosopher uses contradiction as a tool for knowledge.

Epistemological context.

6

تضادهای فرهنگی می‌توانند منجر به غنای جامعه شوند.

Cultural contrasts can lead to the enrichment of society.

Positive connotation.

7

او در تضاد با جریان حاکم حرکت می‌کرد.

He was moving in opposition to the dominant current.

Metaphorical usage.

8

بررسی تضادهای درونی متن نیازمند دقت فراوان است.

Examining the internal contradictions of the text requires great precision.

Gerund construction.

1

پارادوکس هستی در تضادهای آن نهفته است.

The paradox of existence lies within its contradictions.

Ontological depth.

2

او با ظرافتی بی‌نظیر، تضادهای تراژیک زندگی را به تصویر کشید.

With unparalleled elegance, he depicted the tragic contradictions of life.

Literary mastery.

3

تضادهای آشتی‌ناپذیر طبقاتی، موتور محرک تاریخ هستند.

Irreconcilable class contradictions are the driving engine of history.

Marxist historiography terminology.

4

در این جستار، تضاد میان پدیدار و بودار بررسی می‌شود.

In this essay, the contrast between phenomenon and noumenon is examined.

Kantian terminology.

5

شعر او تجسم تضادهای وجودی انسان معاصر است.

His poetry is the embodiment of the existential contradictions of contemporary man.

Existentialist context.

6

تضاد میان فرم و محتوا در این اثر به اوج می‌رسد.

The contrast between form and content reaches its peak in this work.

Aesthetic theory.

7

او تضادهای بنیادین نظام سرمایه‌داری را تبیین کرد.

He explained the fundamental contradictions of the capitalist system.

Academic 'tabyin' (explain/elucidate).

8

این تضاد دیالکتیکی در نهایت به سنتیز منجر خواهد شد.

This dialectical contradiction will ultimately lead to synthesis.

Hegelian dialectics.

Common Collocations

تضاد طبقاتی
تضاد منافع
تضاد رنگ‌ها
در تضاد بودن با
تضاد درونی
تضاد فاحش
ایجاد تضاد
تضاد آشتی‌ناپذیر
رفع تضاد
تضاد سنت و مدرنیته

Common Phrases

تضاد فکری

— Intellectual contradiction or disagreement.

آن‌ها تضاد فکری شدیدی دارند.

تضاد آشکار

— Obvious contrast or contradiction.

این یک تضاد آشکار است.

تضاد فرهنگی

— Cultural contrast or clash.

تضاد فرهنگی در مهاجرت طبیعی است.

تضاد شدید

— Sharp or severe contrast.

تضاد شدیدی بین این دو رنگ وجود دارد.

تضاد میان...

— The contrast between...

تضاد میان فقر و ثروت.

بدون تضاد

— Without contradiction/consistent.

یک سیستم منطقی و بدون تضاد.

تضادهای اجتماعی

— Social contradictions.

بررسی تضادهای اجتماعی در سینما.

تضاد منطقی

— Logical contradiction.

این جمله تضاد منطقی دارد.

تضاد بصری

— Visual contrast.

تضاد بصری باعث جذابیت می‌شود.

نقطه تضاد

— The point of contrast/conflict.

نقطه تضاد این دو نظریه کجاست؟

Idioms & Expressions

"تضاد از زمین تا آسمان"

— A contrast as big as the distance from earth to sky (huge difference).

زندگی آن‌ها با هم تضاد از زمین تا آسمان دارد.

Informal/Idiomatic
"مثل کارد و پنیر"

— Like knife and cheese (always in opposition/conflict). While not using the word 'tazaad', it describes the state of 'tazaad'.

آن دو مثل کارد و پنیر هستند.

Informal
"تضاد در ذات"

— Inherent contradiction.

این سیستم در ذات خود تضاد دارد.

Academic
"تضاد با خویشتن"

— At odds with oneself.

او در تضاد با خویشتن است.

Literary
"آوردن تضاد"

— To use antithesis in poetry.

شاعر در این بیت تضاد آورده است.

Literary
"تضاد منافع داشتن"

— To have a conflict of interest.

او در این معامله تضاد منافع دارد.

Professional
"در تضاد قرار گرفتن"

— To come into conflict with.

منافع ما در تضاد قرار گرفتند.

Formal
"تضاد دوگانه"

— Binary opposition.

تضاد دوگانه مرد و زن در متن.

Academic
"نقطه مقابل و تضاد"

— The exact opposite and contrast.

او نقطه مقابل و تضاد برادرش است.

Neutral
"تضاد کلان"

— Macro-contradiction.

تضادهای کلان اقتصادی در کشور.

Formal/Economic

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tazaad' as 'Two-Against-Duality.' The 'T' for Two, and 'zaad' sounds like 'against' in a strange way. Two things against each other create a Tazaad.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright white sun in a pitch-black sky. That sharp difference is 'tazaad.' Or imagine a person saying 'Yes' while shaking their head 'No'.

Word Web

Contrast Opposite Antonym Conflict Shadow/Light Rich/Poor Tradition/Modernity Inconsistency

Challenge

Write three sentences comparing your home country with Iran using the word 'تضاد'. For example: 'The weather in London is in tazaad with the weather in Yazd.'

Word Origin

Borrowed from Arabic 'تَضَادّ' (taḍādd), which is the verbal noun of the VI form of the root 'ض د د' (D-D-D).

Original meaning: The original Arabic meaning refers to 'mutual opposition' or 'being contrary to one another.'

Semitic (root) / Indo-European (Persian usage).
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

تضاد Arabic
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