Words / C1

PAR-uh-doks/ˈpærədɒks/

A paradox is a seeming contradiction that may still be true: a paradox of, paradoxical. Contradiction (already in the dictionary) is a clash that is not “true in a twisty way”. Irony is a different tone. Orthodox (this batch) is conventional — a lookalike. Do not label a simple error a paradox.

Meaning

A situation or statement that seems impossible or contradictory but may be true.

Examples

• “The paradox was a packed lecture and an empty office hour the same week.”
• “The paradox was a packed lecture and an empty office hour in the same week.”
• “Contradiction is “these two claims cannot both stand”. A paradox claims a twist that can still be real. Ironic is tone. Orthodox is a different word. A wrong date is an error.”

Good to know

A true-seeming contradiction. Adjective: paradoxical. Contrast: contradiction (cannot both be true). Mix-up: orthodox. Not a simple mistake.

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