Paradoxical Meaning and Definition
Paradoxical
Pronunciation
/ˌpærəˈdɑksɪkəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A principle or statement that contradicts itself, or a situation in which two or more statements are mutually inconsistent, yet both may be simultaneously true.
Examples
- The paradox of freedom is that while individuals crave independence, they often require the constraints of society to function.
- The paradox of choice is that having too many options can lead to paralysis and indecision.
Synonyms
- Contradiction
- Irreconcilability
Antonyms
- Consistency
- Coherence
Etymology
The word “paradoxical” comes from the Greek words “paradoxos” (παράδοξος) meaning “contrary to expectation” and “logos” (λόγος) meaning “word” or “reason”.
Usage Notes
When using “paradoxical” in writing, it’s essential to clarify the context and provide explanations to avoid confusion.
Cultural References
Paradoxical has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film, often to describe complex or contradictory ideas.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Burn the midnight oil and walk the plank at the same time (meaning to do two things that are contradictory)
Related Words or Phrases
- Contradiction
- Antithesis
- Crisis
Collocations
- Paradoxical situation
- Paradoxical nature
- Paradoxical problem
Frequency of Use
While “paradoxical” is not a commonly used word in everyday conversation, it is frequently used in academic, philosophical, and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Paradoxacal
- Paradoxicle