paradox
A paradox is a statement or situation that seems to contradict itself or defy common sense, yet upon closer inspection, it may reveal a deeper, hidden truth. Think of it as a logical knot; it is an idea that pulls in two opposite directions at the same time, making you pause and rethink your assumptions. In everyday usage, it is often used to describe situations that are inherently self-contradictory, such as "the paradox of choice," where having too many options makes it harder to choose. It is a common term in philosophy, literature, and intellectual debate to highlight ironies or impossibilities that demand a more complex explanation.
In conversation
Discussing a movie plot
The ending was a total paradox.
The ending was a total paradox.
I know! He had to go back in time to stop himself from existing.
I know! He had to go back in time to stop himself from existing.
Used to describe a self-defeating logical loop.
Work meeting
It is a paradox: we need more staff to finish, but we can't afford to hire anyone yet.
It is a paradox: we need more staff to finish, but we can't afford to hire anyone yet.
Used to highlight a frustrating, contradictory business situation.
Examples
It is a paradox that the more we learn, the more we realize how little we know.
It is a paradox that the more we learn, the more we realize how little we know.
The story explores the paradox of a character who finds freedom only when they are imprisoned.
The story explores the paradox of a character who finds freedom only when they are imprisoned.
The scientist struggled to resolve the paradox between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
The scientist struggled to resolve the paradox between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
