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paradox
Definitions
1
noun
A
statement
or
situation
that
seems
to
contradict
itself
or
goes
against
common
sense
,
yet
might
be
true
.
The
statement
'
less
is
more'
is
a
classic
paradox
.
The
paradox
of
choice
suggests
that
having
too
many
options
can
lead
to
less
satisfaction
.
In
a
paradox
,
the
more
you
try
to
impress
someone
,
the
less
impressed
they
may
be
.
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Word Origin
Language
Greek
Original word
paradoxos
Word parts
para (beside, beyond) + doxa (opinion, belief)
Originally meant
contrary to expectation
Background
The term 'paradox' comes from the Greek word 'paradoxos', which means contrary to expectation or opinion. It was used in ancient philosophy to describe statements that seem contradictory but reveal a deeper truth.