paradox
PA-ruh-doks
Paradox (noun) means a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still be true. Example: “The statement "this sentence is false" is a classic paradox.”
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."
"It is a paradox that you can feel lonely in a crowded room."
2
A person or thing that combines seemingly contradictory qualities.
"He was a paradox: fiercely private yet a famous public performer."
"The old professor was a paradox, being both extremely strict and wonderfully kind."
"Our town is a paradox: very quiet at night yet full of life by day."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- paradoxes
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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.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “paradox” mean?
The word “paradox” means a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still be true. In plain terms, something that seems logically contradictory but may contain a hidden truth.
How do you pronounce “paradox”?
“Paradox” is pronounced PA-ruh-doks (/ˈpæ.ɹəˌdɒks/ in IPA).
How do you use “paradox” in a sentence?
Here is “paradox” used in a sentence: “The statement "this sentence is false" is a classic paradox.”
What part of speech is “paradox”?
“Paradox” is a noun.
Where does the word “paradox” come from?
The word “paradox” comes from Latin. From Greek paradoxos ("unexpected, contrary to opinion"), via Latin and French.
Is “paradox” a common word?
“Paradox” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “paradox” have?
“Paradox” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still be true.
What is the difference between a paradox and a contradiction?
A contradiction is simply two statements that cannot both be true, while a paradox is a statement or situation that appears self-contradictory but may still turn out to be true or valid on closer examination. A paradox often reveals a deeper truth once its apparent conflict is resolved or understood.
Can a paradox describe a person rather than a statement?
Yes, paradox can also describe a person or thing that combines seemingly contradictory qualities, such as someone who is both extremely generous and famously stingy in different areas of life.
Is calling something "a paradox" the same as calling it ironic?
No, irony usually involves an outcome that is the opposite of what was expected, while a paradox involves a statement or situation that seems logically contradictory yet may still hold true. The two can overlap, but paradox is centered on apparent self-contradiction rather than mismatched expectation.
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