paradox
noun
Simple meaning
Something that seems impossible because it contradicts itself, but may be true.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
pehruhdahksSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈpɛɹədɑks
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.
A counterintuitive conclusion or outcome.
A claim that two apparently contradictory ideas are true.
uncountable
The use of counterintuitive or contradictory statements (paradoxes) in speech or writing.
A person or thing having contradictory properties.
A thing involving contradictory yet interrelated elements that exist simultaneously and persist over time.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Frequency
- Moderately Common
- Typical Use
- Neutral / general English
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.
Used this way, paradox is a reasonably familiar word that usually carries little praise or criticism of its own. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Neutral
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Not strongly marked
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Matter-of-fact
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use paradox
- “`I always lie' is a paradox because if it is true it must be false.”noun
Share your sentence
Common Patterns and Combinations
How this word naturally appears with others.
Tap the highlighted word to open its own entry.
Word Family
Related forms, grouped by how they connect.
Use This Word
See how this word sounds in a real sentence.
Ask Vocabaura
Understand the word your way.
What Does It Mean Here?
Words can change meaning depending on context.
Use it yourself
Knowing “paradox” starts when you use it. Pick a next step, all free.
Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.