Paradox Definition

Seemingly absurd statement which, on closer examination, reveals an important truth e.g. Wordsworth's ' The child is father of the man'.

Paradox Poem Example

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[n] (logic) a self-contradiction; "I always lie"

See Also...

contradiction, contradiction in terms

Related Terms

absurdity, ambiguity, ambivalence, antinomy, asymmetry, contradiction, crux, dilemma, disproportion, disproportionateness, enigma, equivocality, equivocation, Gordian knot, heresy, heterodoxy, heterogeneity, hopelessness, impossibility, impossible, imposs

Misc. Definitions

\Par`a*dox\, n.; pl. {Paradoxes}. [F. paradoxe, L. paradoxum, fr. Gr. ?; ? beside, beyond, contrary to + ? to think, suppose, imagine. See {Para-}, and {Dogma}.] A tenet or proposition contrary to received opinion; an assertion or sentiment seemingly contradictory, or opposed to common sense; that which in appearance or terms is absurd, but yet may be true in fact. A gloss there is to color that paradox, and make it appear in show not to be altogether unreasonable. --Hooker. This was sometime a paradox, but now the time gives it proof. --Shak. {Hydrostatic paradox}. See under {Hydrostatic}.