Paradox
The internet loves a headline that sounds impossible yet true, and philosophy classes were arguing about that pattern long before Twitter existed.
Learn This WordMeaning
A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated may prove to be well-founded or true.
Memory trick
Think "PARA-DOX" = "PAIR-OF-DOCS (documents)" that contradict each other. A paradox is contradictory but true.
Examples
The paradox of choice suggests that having too many options can make us less happy.
"Less is more" is a famous paradox in design and architecture.
It's a paradox that the more connected we are digitally, the more isolated we feel.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Greek paradoxon "contrary to expectation," from para- "beyond" + doxa "opinion."
Usage Notes
Frequently used in philosophy, literature, and discussions of complex or contradictory situations.
Real-life contexts
Point out contradictions: "That's a paradox, more choice, less satisfaction."
Use in philosophy: "The paradox of tolerance is fascinating."
Works in everyday life: "It's a paradox that I'm too busy to save time."
Common Mistakes
A paradox is not just any contradiction, it's a statement that seems contradictory but may contain truth.
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Part of Speech
noun
Difficulty
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