paradox
PAR-uh-doks
/ˈpær.ə.dɒks/
A statement or situation that seems self-contradictory or absurd, but upon closer investigation reveals a hidden truth.
Unlike a simple fallacy, a paradox challenges conventional assumptions to illuminate deep underlying reality.
The story behind the word. From ancient Greek 'para-' (distinct from or against) and 'doxa' (common opinion or belief). A paradox was originally defined by Greek philosophers as an idea that goes against accepted public wisdom.
Word relationships
- enigma: An enigma is a mysterious or puzzling thing; a paradox specifically involves logical contradiction that contains truth.
- oxymoron: An oxymoron is a figure of speech linking two opposing terms (e.g., 'deafening silence'); a paradox is a full statement or situation.
- truism: A self-evident or obvious truth that lacks complexity or contradiction.
Commonly confused with
- contradiction: A contradiction is simply impossible/false; a paradox looks impossible but is actually true upon deeper analysis.
Word family
- paradoxical (adjective): Seemingly absurd or self-contradictory.
- paradoxically (adverb): In a manner that appears self-contradictory.
Collocations
- apparent paradox
- central paradox
- resolve a paradox
- seeming paradox
Example sentences
- "The painter's famous statement—'I am a liar'—creates an unsolvable logical paradox." Literature
- "The paradox of thrift shows that while saving money is good for an individual, widespread saving can cause economic recession." Economics
Memory hook
PARA-DOX: PARALLEL to established OPINION (doxa), revealing unexpected truths. Seems false or contradictory on top, but holds deep truth inside.
When not to use
Do not use as a simple synonym for an unexpected coincidence or a simple conflict of interest.
Fun facts
- The Fermi Paradox asks: 'If intelligent alien life is extremely likely in our vast universe, why have we found zero evidence of them?'
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