paradox
/ˈpaɹədɒks/
Meanings
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noun
A statement that contradicts itself or appears to be untrue but may actually be true.
- "The Cretan liar paradox: 'I am lying.'"
- "The paradox of the heaps: 'This pile of sand is not a heap, but if we add one grain more, it becomes a heap.'"
Pronunciation
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/ˈpæɹədɑks/
Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1597960"
Synonyms
shocker , contradiction , juxtaposition , reverse psychology , enigma , koan , puzzle , quandary , riddle
Rhymes
Words rhyming with paradoxbox , roses , proses
Variants
List of all variants of paradox that leads to same resultparadox , paradoxes
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.From Greek paradoxos, meaning 'contrary to expectation'.
Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word-
The first recorded paradox was the Liar Paradox, which was discussed by the ancient Greek philosopher Epimenides.
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The paradox of the heaps was first formulated by the ancient Greek philosopher Zeno.
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The paradox of the liar was used by the philosopher René Descartes to challenge the skepticism of his time.
Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to-
logical paradox: A statement that contradicts itself when all the rules of logic are applied to it.
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semantic paradox: A statement that contradicts itself when we try to apply meaning to it.
Quotes
Quotes by authors and personalities-
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,{it}The Portrait of a Lady{/it},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,{it}Bleak House{/it},1852-53 -
For the actors, the goal was a "paradox": real emotion, produced on cue.
- Claudia Roth Pierpont,{it}New Yorker{/it},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,{it}Harper's{/it},November 2007
Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.The paradox has been a subject of fascination in philosophy, mathematics, and logic. It has been used to challenge our understanding of reality and to explore the nature of truth and falsehood.
How to Memorize "paradox"
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visualize
- Imagine a statement that contradicts itself. For example, a sign that says 'Do Not Enter - Enter'. Visualize the confusion and contradiction this creates.
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associate
- Associate the paradox with a puzzle or a riddle. Remember that it challenges our understanding and requires us to think deeply.
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mnemonics
- Use the acronym 'CRAP': Contradictory, Riddling, Absurd, Paradox.
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