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Paradoxical: meaning, definitions and examples

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paradoxical

 

[ ˌpær.əˈdɑːk.sɪ.kəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

philosophy

Seemingly absurd or self-contradictory, but in reality expressing a possible truth. Paradoxical statements challenge our understanding and provoke deeper thought.

Synonyms

contradictory, illogical, inconsistent

Examples of usage

  • The concept of time travel is paradoxical because it raises questions about causality.
  • Her paradoxical behavior left everyone confused.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Having contradictory characteristics or qualities, often leading to unexpected or unconventional outcomes. Paradoxical behavior can be puzzling to others.

Synonyms

conflicting, contradictory, unexpected

Examples of usage

  • His paradoxical combination of shyness and boldness intrigued her.
  • It was paradoxical how the strict boss could also be incredibly kind.

Translations

Translations of the word "paradoxical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paradoxal

🇮🇳 विरोधाभासी

🇩🇪 paradox

🇮🇩 paradoks

🇺🇦 парадоксальний

🇵🇱 paradoksalny

🇯🇵 逆説的 (ぎゃくせつてき)

🇫🇷 paradoxal

🇪🇸 paradójico

🇹🇷 paradoksal

🇰🇷 역설적인 (yeokseoljeog-in)

🇸🇦 مُتناقِض

🇨🇿 paradoxní

🇸🇰 paradoxný

🇨🇳 矛盾的 (máodùn de)

🇸🇮 paradoksalen

🇮🇸 þversagnakenndur

🇰🇿 парадоксалды

🇬🇪 პარადოქსული

🇦🇿 paradoksal

🇲🇽 paradójico

Etymology

The word 'paradoxical' originates from the Greek word 'paradoxos', meaning 'contrary to expectation, incredible'. The concept of paradox has been a subject of interest in philosophy and logic for centuries, with thinkers exploring the complexities of seemingly contradictory statements. Over time, 'paradoxical' has come to represent the intriguing nature of contradictions and unexpected outcomes.

See also: paradoxically.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,154, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.