Doublethought

/ˈdʌbəlˌθɔt/ noun

Definition

A thought or idea that contains contradiction or holds two opposite meanings simultaneously; a synonym for doublethink emphasizing the content rather than the process.

Etymology

From 'double' plus 'thought,' a less common variant of Orwell's 'doublethink' that appeared occasionally in literary and philosophical texts to emphasize the contradictory idea itself.

Kelly Says

While 'doublethink' emphasizes the mental gymnastics, 'doublethought' describes the weird idea that results—it's the difference between the act of thinking something impossible and the impossible thing you end up thinking.

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