paradox

noun
UK: /ˈpærədɒks/
US: /ˈperədɑːks/

  1. A statement that seems impossible because it contains two opposing ideas but is actually true.

    1. It's a paradox that you can save money by spending it now.
    2. The beginning of the end is a literary paradox that has roots in antiquity.

  2. A situation or statement that is strange because it involves two ideas or qualities that seem to contradict each other.

    1. The paradox is that the medicine made him sick before it helped him.
    2. It's a curious paradox that professional comedians often suffer from depression in their private lives.

  3. A person, thing, or situation that has contradictory features or qualities.

    1. He is a paradox: a serious comedian who makes people laugh.
    2. The modern office building represents a paradox: a space designed for collaboration, yet isolating for many workers.

Synonyms

inconsistency puzzle anomaly enigma contradiction

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "paradox" in English means: A statement that seems impossible because it contains two opposing ideas but is actually true., A situation or statement that is strange because it involves two ideas or qualities that seem to contradict each other., A person, thing, or situation that has contradictory features or qualities..

The phonetic transcription of "paradox" is /ˈpærədɒks/ in British English and /ˈperədɑːks/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "paradox": inconsistency, puzzle, anomaly, enigma, contradiction.

Example usage of "paradox": "It's a paradox that you can save money by spending it now.". More examples on the page.