par·a·dox (p r  -d ks )n. 1. A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true: the paradox that standing is more tiring than walking. 2. One exhibiting inexplicable or contradictory aspects: "The silence of midnight, to speak truly, though apparently a paradox, rung in my ears" (Mary Shelley). 3. An assertion that is essentially self-contradictory, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises. 4. A statement contrary to received opinion. [Latin paradoxum, from Greek paradoxon, from neuter sing. of paradoxos, conflicting with expectation : para-, beyond; see para-1 + doxa, opinion (from dokein, to think; see dek- in Indo-European roots).] par a·doxi·cal adj.par a·doxi·cal·ly adv.par a·doxi·cal·ness n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | paradoxical - seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true; "it is paradoxical that standing is more tiring than walking" incomprehensible, inexplicable - incapable of being explained or accounted for; "inexplicable errors"; "left the house at three in the morning for inexplicable reasons" |
paradoxical
adjective contradictory, inconsistent, impossible, puzzling, absurd, baffling, riddling, ambiguous, improbable, confounding, enigmatic, illogical, equivocal, oracular It seems paradoxical that some people who claim to be animal lovers still promote fox-hunting.
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