Paradox
Word of the Day
What is Paradox?
noun
A seemingly self-contradictory statement or situation that may prove to be true.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Selected to highlight the value of embracing contradiction and complexity — essential for critical thinking and creativity.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
This novel explores the paradox of freedom through discipline.
The paradox of choice suggests that more options can lead to less satisfaction.
It’s a paradox that technology can connect and isolate us at the same time.
Word Origins
Greek paradoxon meaning “contrary to expectation”
From para- (beyond) + doxa (opinion), originally describing ideas that went against accepted beliefs.
First appearance in English: mid 16th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Adjective:
Her paradoxical behavior puzzled her friends.
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Adverb:
Paradoxically, silence spoke louder than words.
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Noun:
The speech was full of contradiction and confusion.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: paradoja
- French: paradoxe
- German: Paradoxon
- Italian: paradosso
- Portuguese: paradoxo
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is a phrase of opposites; a paradox is a concept that seems contradictory but reveals truth.
Irony
Irony involves unexpected outcomes; paradox involves conflicting logic or ideas.
Enigma
An enigma is puzzling or mysterious; a paradox is conceptually contradictory yet often meaningful.
Fun Facts
- The “liar paradox” (“This statement is false”) has fascinated logicians for centuries.
- Paradoxes are used in quantum physics to illustrate strange behavior at the subatomic level.
Cultural Usage
- Zeno’s paradoxes challenge our understanding of time, space, and motion.
- Oscar Wilde used paradoxes to critique social norms through wit and contradiction.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “irony” or “oxymoron”; a paradox is conceptual and may be true despite seeming impossible.
Micro Story
It was a paradox: the more he gave away, the richer he felt.