paradox
paradox Lexical Profile
paradox Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that, when investigated or explained, may prove to be well founded or true.
"It is a well-known paradox that standing is often more tiring than walking."
A situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.
"The actor was a fascinating paradox, craving the spotlight while fiercely guarding his private life."
In formal logic, an argument that starts from seemingly true premises and uses valid reasoning to reach a self-contradictory or logically unacceptable conclusion.
"The philosophy professor dedicated an entire lecture to analyzing the liar paradox."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with 'oxymoron'; a paradox is a broader statement or situation that seems logically contradictory yet reveals an underlying truth, whereas an oxymoron is a condensed rhetorical figure combining two opposite terms (such as 'deafening silence').
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century via French or Late Latin from the Ancient Greek 'paradoxon', from 'paradoxos' ('contrary to expectation'), combining 'para-' ('contrary to') and 'doxa' ('opinion').