LookItUp

paradox

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈpɛrəˌdɑks/ · UK /ˈpærədɒks/

paradox means: A result or situation that seems opposite to what you would expect.

noun

UNEXPECTED RESULTB2

A result or situation that seems opposite to what you would expect.

  • It is a paradox that success made him unhappy.
  • The study revealed a surprising paradox.
  • How do you explain this apparent paradox?

How to use it: the paradox that… (She explained the paradox that more choices can make decisions harder.)

Similar words: shocker

Common phrases: apparent paradox, explain a paradox, paradox of choice

CONTRADICTORY STATEMENTC1

A statement that seems to make itself false if true, or true if false.

  • The statement creates a paradox.
  • We discussed the liar paradox in class.
  • Can this logical paradox be resolved?

Common phrases: logical paradox, liar paradox, resolve a paradox

CONTRADICTORY PERSONC1

A person or thing with qualities that seem impossible to have together.

  • He is a walking paradox.
  • This shy but fearless performer is a paradox.
  • The tiny, spacious house seemed a paradox.

Similar words: juxtaposition, contradiction

Common phrases: walking paradox, living paradox, something of a paradox

Questions about paradox

What does paradox mean?

A result or situation that seems opposite to what you would expect.

What is paradox in other languages?

Türkçe: paradoks · Español: paradoja · Français: paradoxe · Deutsch: Paradox · Italiano: paradosso · 日本語: 逆説

How do you pronounce paradox?

In American English /ˈpɛrəˌdɑks/; in British English /ˈpærədɒks/.

How do you use paradox in a sentence?

It is a paradox that success made him unhappy. The study revealed a surprising paradox.

Learn paradox while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

paradox in other languages

More words