Paradox meaning

A paradox is a statement or situation that appears to be contradictory or absurd but may actually be true.


Paradox definitions

Word backwards xodarap
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division pa-ra-dox
Plural The plural of the word paradox is paradoxes.
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (4) p,r,d,x

Understanding Paradox

Paradoxes are statements that appear to be self-contradictory or illogical, yet they may actually be true or contain a deeper truth. These logical puzzles challenge our understanding of reality, inviting us to explore different perspectives and question fundamental assumptions.

The Nature of Paradox

At their core, paradoxes reveal the limitations of human reasoning and language. They often highlight the complexities of reality and the inherent ambiguities that exist in the world. Paradoxes can be found in various fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and literature, showcasing the depth and breadth of their impact.

Examples of Paradoxes

One classic paradox is the "liar paradox," which states: "This statement is false." If the statement is true, then it must be false, but if it is false, then it must be true. This paradox demonstrates the circular reasoning and ambiguity that paradoxes often possess.

Another well-known paradox is the "grandfather paradox" in time travel, where a person goes back in time and prevents their grandparents from meeting, thus preventing their own existence. This paradox raises questions about causality and the nature of time itself.

The Value of Paradox

While paradoxes can be perplexing, they offer valuable insights into the limits of human thought and the complexity of reality. They encourage critical thinking, creativity, and open-mindedness, prompting us to embrace uncertainty and paradoxical thinking in our quest for knowledge and understanding.

Embracing paradoxes can lead to profound insights and intellectual growth, challenging us to expand our cognitive abilities and reconsider long-held beliefs. By engaging with paradoxes, we can deepen our understanding of the world and appreciate the beauty of complexity and contradiction.


Paradox Examples

  1. Despite his wealth, he felt a deep sense of emptiness, a paradox of material success.
  2. The idea of a "jumbo shrimp" is a playful paradox in the English language.
  3. In a paradoxical twist of fate, the firefighter's house burned down while he was out saving others.
  4. The author presented a paradox in the plot, where the hero had to commit a crime to save a life.
  5. Her calming presence had a paradoxical effect on him, both soothing his nerves and making him more anxious.
  6. The concept of time travel creates numerous paradoxes that challenge our understanding of causality.
  7. It was a paradox how her strict upbringing led to her rebellious nature.
  8. The paradox of tolerance suggests that unlimited tolerance may lead to the extinction of tolerance itself.
  9. The politician's promises were filled with paradoxes, making it hard for voters to trust his words.
  10. The artist's work often explored the paradox of beauty and decay, creating thought-provoking pieces.


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  • Updated 22/06/2024 - 08:02:20