noun
paradox
PA-ruh-doks
noun
1
A statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still be true.
"The statement "this sentence is false" is a classic paradox."
"It's a paradox that the more choices we have, the harder it can be to decide."
2
A person or thing that combines seemingly contradictory qualities.
"He was a paradox: fiercely private yet a famous public performer."
How to Use Paradox
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that seems logically contradictory but may contain a hidden truth.
Common pairings
a paradox of
it's a paradox that
Word Forms
paradoxes plural
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The statement "this sentence is false" is a classic _____.
Etymology
From Greek paradoxos ("unexpected, contrary to opinion"), via Latin and French.