Definitions for paradoxˈpær əˌdɒks

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word paradox

Princeton's WordNet

  1. paradox(noun)

    (logic) a statement that contradicts itself



  1. paradox(Noun)


    "This sentence is false" is a paradox.

  2. paradox(Noun)

    A counterintuitive conclusion or outcome.

    It is an interesting paradox that drinking a lot of water can often make you feel thirsty.

  3. paradox(Noun)

    A claim that two apparently contradictory ideas are true.

    Not having a fashion is a fashion; that's a paradox.

  4. paradox(Noun)

    A person or thing having contradictory properties.

    He is a paradox; you would not expect him in that political party.

  5. paradox(Noun)


  6. paradox(Noun)


  7. paradox(Noun)


  8. paradox(Noun)

    A state in which one is logically compelled to contradict oneself.

  9. paradox(Noun)


  10. Origin: From paradoxe < paradoxum, from παράδοξος.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Paradox(noun)




  1. Paradox

    A paradox is an argument that produces an inconsistency, typically within logic or common sense. Most logical paradoxes are known to be invalid arguments but are still valuable in promoting critical thinking. However, some have revealed errors in definitions assumed to be rigorous, and have caused axioms of mathematics and logic to be re-examined. Still others, such as Curry's paradox, are not yet resolved. In common usage, the word "paradox" often refers to irony or contradiction. Examples outside logic include the Grandfather paradox from physics, and the Ship of Theseus from philosophy. Paradoxes can also take the form of images or other media. For example, M.C. Escher featured perspective-based paradoxes in many of his drawings.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Paradox

    par′a-doks, n. that which is contrary to received opinion, or that which is apparently absurd but really true.—n. Par′adoxer.—adjs. Paradox′ic, -al, of the nature of a paradox: inclined to paradoxes, said of persons.—adv. Paradox′ically.—ns. Paradox′icalness; Paradox′ides, a genus of trilobites; Par′adoxist; Par′adoxy, the quality of being paradoxical.—Hydrostatic paradox (see Hydrostatics). [Through Fr. and L., from Gr. paradoxonpara, contrary to, doxa, an opinion.]


  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of paradox in Chaldean Numerology is: 1

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of paradox in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7

Sample Sentences & Example Usage

  1. Sren Kierkegaard:

    Take away paradox from the thinker and you have a professor.

  2. Karl Wilhelm Friedrich von Schlegel:


  3. Robert Cloninger:


  4. Francois Hollande:

    We can no longer accept this paradox that those who have the most potential for solar energy have only a small share of solar electricity.

  5. John Ruskin:

    It seems a fantastic paradox, but it is nevertheless an important truth, that no architecture can be truly noble which is not imperfect, no good work whatever can be perfect.

Images & Illustrations of paradox

Translations for paradox

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