What does paradox mean?
A paradox is a statement, idea, or situation that appears to contradict itself or run contrary to expectation. Its apparent contradiction may be the point: by placing opposing ideas together, a paradox can reveal a deeper truth that a straightforward formulation would overlook. For example, the observation that less certainty can sometimes produce greater wisdom is paradoxical because it initially seems to conflict with ordinary assumptions. The term is especially common in literature, philosophy, science, economics, and formal discussion, but it can also appear in everyday speech when something surprising is being examined. A paradox should not automatically be treated as an error or meaningless confusion. It may invite closer attention, challenge conventional thinking, or expose tensions within a system. The related adjective “paradoxical” is often more useful when describing an event or statement as self-contradictory or surprising.
nounA statement or proposition that appears self-contradictory or contrary to expectation but may reveal a deeper truth. The word can also refer to a situation or circumstance with an apparently contradictory nature.
- A statement or proposition that appears self-contradictory or contrary to expectation but may reveal a deeper truth.
- A situation or circumstance whose apparent contradiction is striking or thought-provoking.
- A logically self-contradictory proposition.
"The novel opens with the paradox that freedom sometimes feels more constraining than confinement."
"It is a familiar paradox that greater freedom can create more choices without making us happier."
"The speech presented the economic paradox as an opportunity for reform rather than as a fatal flaw."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple paradoxical statements, ideas, or situations.
"The essays explore several familiar paradoxes of modern life."
A paradox does not always confuse us; sometimes two apparently incompatible ideas point toward a deeper truth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paradox come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek “paradoxos,” a form of “paradoxos” meaning “contrary to opinion” or “unexpected.” Its Greek elements combine the prefix “para-,” meaning “contrary to,” with “doxa,” meaning “opinion” or “belief.” The English word appeared in the late 16th century and developed both its familiar general sense and its more specific literary sense of an apparently self-contradictory statement.
Related word forms
How paradox is actually used
The word is common in formal, literary, philosophical, and analytical contexts. A paradox is often an apparent contradiction rather than a logical mistake, while a genuine paradox may expose a limitation in a system or form of reasoning.
Easily confused with paradox
A paradox is a statement or situation that appears self-contradictory but may still express a meaningful insight, whereas a contradiction is an incompatibility between statements or facts.