What does paradoxy mean?
Paradoxy is a formal noun for a proposition, argument, or situation that appears to contradict itself. Its significance often lies in the truth concealed within that apparent contradiction, as in the observation that freedom can flourish only where certain limits are respected. The word may also refer more generally to an instance of paradoxical thinking, in which apparently incompatible ideas are held together or examined for a deeper meaning. It is related to the more familiar paradox, but paradoxy tends to emphasize the phenomenon or instance of paradoxical reasoning rather than the contradictory statement itself. In ordinary discussion, paradox is generally the more natural choice. Paradoxy is especially suited to formal analysis, philosophy, literary criticism, and discussions of ethical or social complexities where contradictions are productive rather than merely errors.
nounA seemingly self-contradictory statement or proposition that may nevertheless reveal an important truth or point of view.
- A seemingly self-contradictory statement or proposition that may nevertheless reveal an important truth or point of view.
- An instance of apparently contradictory reasoning or thinking.
"The apparent paradoxy of choosing the safest option was resolved when the team examined the risks more closely."
"The speech ended with the familiar paradoxy that freedom depends on accepting limits."
"Her essay examines the paradoxy of preserving a tradition while allowing it to change."
The plural is formed by adding -ies to paradoxy.
"The book collects several philosophical paradoxies without resolving them."
Sometimes the shortest route to truth runs through a statement that seems impossible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paradoxy come from?
Paradoxy comes through Latin from Greek paradoxos, meaning “contrary to opinion” or “unexpected,” and ultimately from Greek para-, meaning “beside” or “contrary to,” and doxa, meaning “opinion” or “belief.” It developed in English from the same learned tradition as paradox and paradoxical, words that preserve the underlying sense of something that contradicts an accepted belief.
Related word forms
How paradoxy is actually used
Formal and relatively uncommon; paradox is much more widely used. Paradoxy can suggest either a self-contradictory proposition or the broader phenomenon of paradoxical thinking.
Easily confused with paradoxy
A paradox is the paradoxical statement or situation itself, whereas a paradoxy is an instance of paradoxical thinking or a particular example of such a contradiction.
An oxymoron combines contradictory terms in a phrase, while a paradoxy is a self-contradictory proposition or situation that may contain a deeper truth.