Definition of PARADOX (original) (raw)
1
: one (such as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases
2
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
: a tenet contrary to received opinion
Did you know?
The ancient Greeks were well aware that a paradox can take us outside our usual way of thinking. They combined the prefix para- ("beyond" or "outside of") with the verb dokein ("to think"), forming paradoxos, an adjective meaning "contrary to expectation." Latin speakers used that word as the basis for a noun paradoxum, which English speakers borrowed during the 1500s to create paradox.
Synonyms
Examples of paradox in a Sentence
For the actors, the goal was a paradox: real emotion, produced on cue. —
Claudia Roth Pierpont, New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2008 Again and again, he returns in his writing to the paradox of a woman who is superior to the men around her by virtue of social class though considered inferior to them on account of her gender. —Terry Eagleton, Harper's, November 2007 She was certainly far from understanding him completely; his meaning was not at all times obvious. It was hard to see what he meant for instance by speaking of his provincial side—which was exactly the side she would have taken him most to lack. Was it a harmless paradox, intended to puzzle her? or was it the last refinement of high culture? —Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady, 1881 Mr. Guppy propounds for Mr. Smallweed's consideration the paradox that the more you drink the thirstier you are and reclines his head upon the window-sill in a state of hopeless languor. —Charles Dickens, Bleak House, 1852-53
It is a paradox that computers need maintenance so often, since they are meant to save people time. As an actor, he's a _paradox_—he loves being in the public eye but also deeply values and protects his privacy. a novel full of paradox
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Namely, there's a paradox in that definitive expectation catalyzes the best ideas. —John Evans, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 The photographs smartly picture the classic irresistible force paradox. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024 Learning more about how consequential my own stress can be for my baby initially left me even more unnerved—an unfortunate paradox. —Daliah Singer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 This paradox neatly captures the challenge facing boards and HR departments. —Beth Kowitt, The Mercury News, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paradox 
Word History
Etymology
Latin paradoxum, from Greek paradoxon, from neuter of paradoxos contrary to expectation, from para- + dokein to think, seem — more at decent
First Known Use
1533, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Time Traveler
The first known use of paradox was in 1533
Dictionary Entries Near paradox
Cite this Entry
“Paradox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paradox. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on paradox
Last Updated: 27 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!