paradoxical

adjective
UK: /ˌpær.əˈdɒk.sɪ.kəl/
US: /ˌper.əˈdɑːk.sɪ.kəl/

  1. Seeming impossible or difficult to understand because of containing two opposite facts or characteristics.

    1. It's paradoxical that computers need electricity, but save it.
    2. It seems paradoxical that stricter laws lead to increased crime, but it's often true.

  2. Describing a situation, statement, or idea that contains opposing qualities or characteristics.

    1. The situation is paradoxical, because he's happy and sad.
    2. It is paradoxical that while technology brings us closer, it also isolates people.

Synonyms

absurd inconsistent self-contradictory anomalous contradictory
paradoxical adverb

  1. In a way that involves a paradox; seemingly self-contradictory or opposed to common sense but perhaps true.

    1. He paradoxicaly argued that spending less would save money.
    2. Paradoxically, sometimes the best way to learn is by making mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "paradoxical" in English means: Seeming impossible or difficult to understand because of containing two opposite facts or characteristics., Describing a situation, statement, or idea that contains opposing qualities or characteristics..

The phonetic transcription of "paradoxical" is /ˌpær.əˈdɒk.sɪ.kəl/ in British English and /ˌper.əˈdɑːk.sɪ.kəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "paradoxical": absurd, inconsistent, self-contradictory, anomalous, contradictory.

Example usage of "paradoxical": "It's paradoxical that computers need electricity, but save it.". More examples on the page.