Word
paradoxically
Phoneticspara·dox·i·cal·ly
US/ˌpɛɹəˈdɑksəkəɫi/
UK/pˌæɹədˈɒksɪkli/
Definition
adv. in a way that seems strange or impossible because it is the opposite of what you would expect. You use this when two things that seem to contradict each other are actually true.
adv. in a manner that seems self-contradictory or logically inconsistent. Often used to introduce a situation where two opposing facts or results coexist.
Examples
“Paradoxically, the more you try to hide it, the more obvious it becomes.”
“Paradoxically, the most successful companies often fail because they become too comfortable with their own success.”
“Paradoxically, the very technology designed to connect us globally has also created a sense of profound isolation for many individuals who feel they are missing out on real-life experiences.”
Examples
simple
“Paradoxically, the more you try to hide it, the more obvious it becomes.”
contextual
“Paradoxically, the most successful companies often fail because they become too comfortable with their own success.”
complex
“Paradoxically, the very technology designed to connect us globally has also created a sense of profound isolation for many individuals who feel they are missing out on real-life experiences.”
Real-World Examples
“Paradoxically, though, there is a growing crunch in launch availability.” “Paradoxically, the aggregate defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok – and subsequent drop into Tin Pot – has increased Rangers’ chances of winning a trophy under McInnes.” Etymology
From paradoxical + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/paradoxically