Definitions
01logical contradiction
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Academic
n. a statement that seems to say two opposite things at once, making it seem impossible.
n. a statement that is apparently self-contradictory or logically unacceptable but may express a latent truth.
“The 'liar paradox' is a famous example: if I say 'I am lying,' am I telling the truth?”
“The twin paradox in physics challenges our intuitive understanding of time by suggesting that a space traveller would age more slowly than their earthbound sibling.”
Usage
Often used with 'the' to refer to specific named problems in logic or science.
Synonyms
02contradictory situation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a situation that has two opposite qualities that make it difficult to understand.
n. a situation or event that combines contradictory features or qualities.
“It is a paradox that such a wealthy country has so many people living in poverty.”
“The paradox of the modern workplace is that despite having more labour-saving technology than ever, employees report feeling more overworked than previous generations.”
Antonyms
03contradictory person
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. a person who has qualities that do not seem to go together.
n. a person whose character or behaviour is composed of seemingly incompatible traits.
“He is a paradox: a very shy man who loves performing on stage in front of thousands.”
“The novelist was a fascinating paradox, known for her ruthless public persona while privately maintaining a reputation for extraordinary generosity and warmth.”
Real-World Examples
“This puzzle—a balmy Earth under a cooler, dimmer sun—is known as the Faint Young Sun paradox.” “The building belongs, yet doesn’t at the same time - it’s a paradox.” Etymology
From Middle French paradoxe, from Latin paradoxum, from Ancient Greek παράδοξος (parádoxos, “unexpected, strange”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/paradox
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR