Paradox

Paradox

Noun · /ˈpær.ə.dɒks/

Definition

A statement, situation, or person that combines contradictory features or qualities in a way that seems impossible or absurd, yet turns out to be true or real; a proposition that appears self-contradictory but which, on closer inspection, may express a deep truth. Also: a self-contradictory statement that cannot logically be true.

Origin

From Latin paradoxum, from Greek paradoxon — from para (contrary to) + doxa (opinion, expectation). Paradox therefore meaning contrary to expectation or opinion — something that contradicts what one would normally believe. Appearing in English from the mid-sixteenth century, initially in the sense of a statement contrary to accepted opinion, and developing to include the modern sense of a self-contradictory yet somehow valid proposition.