A paradox is a statement, situation, or concept that seems contradictory or self-refuting, yet may hold a deeper truth when examined more closely. Paradoxes often challenge our understanding and provoke thought by revealing complexities or contradictions in what appears to be straightforward. They can be found in literature, philosophy, science, and everyday life, where they highlight conflicts between logic and reality, or between different perspectives. In Indonesian, “paradoks” is used as a direct translation, capturing the same meaning of a seemingly contradictory idea.
Synonyms:
- Contradiction
- Anomaly
- Dilemma
- Inconsistency
- Irony
- Absurdity
- Puzzle
- Riddle
- Enigma
- Parable
Example Sentences:
- The statement “less is more” is a classic paradox in the world of design.
- The paradox of being too busy to relax is something many people experience in modern life.
- It’s a paradox that the more connected we are through technology, the more isolated we sometimes feel.
- The paradox of peace is that sometimes it’s achieved through conflict.
- A paradox in economics is that higher unemployment can sometimes lead to greater job creation in the long run.
- The idea that “freedom is slavery” is a paradox often explored in dystopian literature.
- Life itself is a paradox; we must face death in order to truly appreciate life.
- The paradox of success is that it can sometimes make you feel lonelier than failure.
- The paradox of choice is that having too many options can often lead to stress rather than satisfaction.
- There is a paradox in the idea that we must sometimes lose something in order to gain it.
Related Words:
- Contradiction
- Anomaly
- Irony
- Dilemma
- Puzzle
- Riddle
- Enigma
- Absurdity
- Parable
- Reversal
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- Confront with (to face or encounter a paradox that challenges one’s beliefs or expectations)
- Play on (to exploit the inherent contradictions or paradoxes in an idea or argument)
- Wrap one’s head around (to understand or make sense of a paradox, which may seem confusing at first)
- Think through (to consider all aspects of a paradox in order to find its resolution)
- Look beyond (to look past the surface contradictions of a paradox and search for deeper meaning)
- Challenge the norm (to present a paradox that defies conventional understanding or accepted truths)
- Dive into (to explore or analyze the complexities of a paradox)
- Strike at (to address or confront the heart of a paradox in a conversation or debate)
- Run counter to (to oppose or contradict established logic or expectations, often through paradoxical reasoning)
- Come to terms with (to accept and understand the contradictions in a paradox)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- A catch-22 (a situation in which you’re trapped by contradictory rules or conditions, a type of paradox)
- Bite the bullet (to accept something difficult or paradoxical, such as a painful decision)
- The more things change, the more they stay the same (a paradox illustrating how change can still maintain certain constants)
- A double-edged sword (a situation that has both positive and negative consequences, similar to a paradox)
- Between a rock and a hard place (a difficult decision with no clear right choice, often involving paradoxical circumstances)
- Live by the sword, die by the sword (a paradox about the consequences of one’s own actions, often explored in moral dilemmas)
- Less is more (a paradox that suggests simplicity can lead to greater impact or effectiveness)
- What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger (a paradoxical idea that suffering or hardship can lead to personal growth)
- Opposites attract (a paradox used to describe relationships or situations where seemingly contradictory elements complement each other)
- The road to hell is paved with good intentions (a paradox about how well-meaning actions can lead to negative outcomes)
A paradox is a powerful tool for intellectual exploration. It challenges conventional thinking and forces us to reconsider our assumptions. In many cases, paradoxes are not merely contradictions, but opportunities to uncover deeper truths hidden beneath the surface. Whether in literature, philosophy, or real life, encountering a paradox can expand one’s understanding and reveal the complexities of seemingly simple ideas.
