Definition of "paradox" in English

noun

1. An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.

   • "This sentence is false" is a paradox.

2. A counterintuitive conclusion or outcome.

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

3. A claim that two apparently contradictory ideas are true.

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

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

5. A person or thing having contradictory properties.

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

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

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

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

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

10. (countable, 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.