paradox

par·a·dox

noun \ˈper-ə-ˌdäks, ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of PARADOX

1

: a tenet contrary to received opinion

2

a : a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true b : a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true c : an argument that apparently derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises

3

: one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases

Examples of PARADOX

1. It is a paradox that computers need maintenance so often, since they are meant to save people time.
2. As an actor, he's a paradox—he loves being in the public eye but also deeply values and protects his privacy.
3. a novel full of paradox

Origin of PARADOX

Latin paradoxum, from Greek paradoxon, from neuter of paradoxos contrary to expectation, from para- + dokein to think, seem — more at decent

First Known Use: 1540

Related to PARADOX

Synonyms: dichotomy, incongruity, contradiction

Related Words: antinomy; conundrum, enigma, mystery, mystification, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle

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Rhymes with PARADOX

arctic fox, ballot box, bobby socks, chatterbox, chicken pox, dealing box, ditty box, equinox, flying fox, journal box, miter box, music box, orthodox, pepperbox, pillar-box, ready box, sentry box, service box, shadowbox, shadow box, silver fox, Skinner box, stuffing box, tinderbox, window box, witness-box

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