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paradox

noun

/ˈparədɒks/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of paradox

A statement or situation that seems to be contradictory or false, but upon closer examination, may actually be true or make sense.
"It is a paradox that in order to achieve peace, we often have to prepare for war."

Detailed meaning of paradox

It is a figure of speech in which a statement appears to be self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. Paradoxes can be found in literature, poetry, and everyday speech, and can be used for various purposes such as to make a point, to create suspense or to provoke thought. Some well-known examples of paradox include "less is more," "the more things change, the more they stay the same," and "I can resist anything except temptation." Some paradoxes are used for comedic effect, while others are used to express a deeper philosophical or moral point. Paradoxes can also be found in science, mathematics, and logical reasoning, challenging our understanding of the world and how we think about it. Overall, a paradox is a statement or situation that appears to be contradictory or false, but upon closer examination, may actually be true or make sense, challenging our understanding and perception of the world.

Example sentences containing paradox

1. The paradox of choice suggests more options can lead to less satisfaction.
2. It's a paradox that solitude can be both lonely and liberating.
3. The grandfather paradox explores time travel's mind-bending implications.
4. The Ship of Theseus is a classic philosophical paradox.
5. The Fermi paradox questions why we haven't encountered extraterrestrial life.
6. The butterfly effect illustrates a paradox of small actions having vast consequences.

History and etymology of paradox

The verb 'muse' has its etymological roots in Middle English and Old French. In Middle English, it was spelled as 'musen,' while in Old French, it was 'muser.' These words referred to the act of being idle or daydreaming. Over time, 'muse' evolved to mean becoming absorbed in deep and reflective thought, often in a dreamy or abstract manner. The etymology of 'muse' underscores the idea of letting the mind wander, as if one were engaged in contemplation while seemingly idle. Today, 'muse' describes the act of pondering or reflecting deeply, often in a manner that allows creative ideas or insights to emerge. It emphasizes the dreamy, introspective quality of such thought processes.

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Further usage examples of paradox

1. The Bootstrap paradox challenges the origins of information.
2. The paradox of tolerance questions how to deal with intolerant ideologies.
3. The observer effect creates a quantum paradox in particle physics.
4. Zeno's paradoxes show the apparent paradoxes in motion and infinity.
5. The Twin Paradox arises from Einstein's theory of relativity.
6. The information paradox arises in the context of black holes.
7. The potato paradox stumps with seemingly contradictory math.
8. The Barber Paradox defies logic in set theory.
9. The liar paradox arises when a statement contradicts itself.
10. The Euthyphro dilemma presents a moral paradox about the divine.
11. The Predestination paradox questions free will in time travel.
12. The omnipotence paradox challenges the concept of an all-powerful deity.
13. The Ship of Fools paradox explores society's irrational behavior.
14. The bootstrap paradox raises questions about causality in time loops.
15. The concept of time travel is a paradox that many people find intriguing.
16. It is a paradox that the fastest way to get somewhere can sometimes be the longest way around.
17. The idea of a wise fool is a paradox that is often explored in literature.
18. The fact that we need to borrow money to get out of debt is a paradox of modern finance.
19. The concept of free will versus determinism is a philosophical paradox that has puzzled thinkers for centuries.
20. The paradox of tolerance is that if we tolerate everything, we risk losing the very things we value most.
21. The statement "this sentence is false" is a classic paradox that challenges our understanding of truth and logic.
22. The concept of a selfless act is a paradox because any action that benefits others can also benefit the self.
23. The concept of a never-ending story is a paradox because all stories must eventually come to an end.
24. The idea of an omnipotent, all-knowing God who allows evil to exist is a paradox that has troubled theologians for centuries.
25. The paradox of choice is that having too many options can sometimes make it harder to make a decision.