PARADOX

paradox

(noun) (logic) a statement that contradicts itself; “‘I always lie’ is a paradox because if it is true it must be false”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

paradox (plural paradoxes)

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.

A thing involving contradictory yet interrelated elements that exist simultaneously and persist over time.

A person or thing having contradictory properties.

An unanswerable question or difficult puzzle, particularly one which leads to a deeper truth.

(obsolete) A statement which is difficult to believe, or which goes against general belief.

(uncountable) The use of counterintuitive or contradictory statements (paradoxes) in speech or writing.

(uncountable, philosophy) A state in which one is logically compelled to contradict oneself.

(uncountable, psychotherapy) The practice of giving instructions that are opposed to the therapist's actual intent, with the intention that the client will disobey or be unable to obey.

Usage notes

• (self-contradictory statement): A statement which contradicts itself in this fashion is a paradox; two statements which contradict each other are an antinomy.

• (counterintuitive outcome): This use may be considered incorrect or inexact.

• (unanswerable question): This use may be considered incorrect or inexact.

Synonyms

• (counterintuitive outcome): shocker (informal)

• (person or thing with contradictory properties): juxtaposition, contradiction

• (unanswerable question): puzzle, quandary, riddle, enigma, koan

• (therapy practice): reverse psychology

Source: Wiktionary

Par`a*dox, n.; pl. Paradoxes. Etym: [F. paradoxe, L. paradoxum, fr. Gr. Para-, and Dogma.]

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition