Paradoxal


[par-uh-doks] /ˈpær əˌdɒks/

noun
1.
a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
2.
a self-contradictory and false proposition.
3.
any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently contradictory nature.
4.
an opinion or statement contrary to commonly accepted opinion.
[par-uh-dok-si-kuh l] /ˌpær əˈdɒk sɪ kəl/
adjective
1.
having the nature of a ; self-contradictory.
2.
Medicine/Medical. not being the normal or usual kind:
Stimulants are a paradoxical, albeit effective, medication used for certain forms of hyperactivity.
/ˈpærəˌdɒks/
noun
1.
a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that is or may be true: religious truths are often expressed in paradox
2.
a self-contradictory proposition, such as I always tell lies
3.
a person or thing exhibiting apparently contradictory characteristics
4.
an opinion that conflicts with common belief
adj.

1580s, from paradox + -ical. Competing forms were paradoxal (1560s), paradoxial (1620s), but they survive in niches, if at all. Related: Paradoxically.
n.

1530s, “statement contrary to common belief or expectation,” from Middle French paradoxe (14c.) and directly from Latin paradoxum “paradox, statement seemingly absurd yet really true,” from Greek paradoxon, noun use of neuter of adjective paradoxos “contrary to expectation, incredible,” from para- “contrary to” (see para- (1)) + doxa “opinion,” from dokein “to appear, seem, think” (see decent). Meaning “statement that is seemingly self-contradictory yet not illogical or obviously untrue” is from 1560s.

paradox par·a·dox (pār’ə-dŏks’)
n.
That which is apparently, though not actually, inconsistent with or opposed to the known facts in any case.
par’a·dox’i·cal adj.
par’a·dox’i·cal·ly adv.

A statement that seems contradictory or absurd but is actually valid or true. According to one proverbial paradox, we must sometimes be cruel in order to be kind. Another form of paradox is a statement that truly is contradictory and yet follows logically from other statements that do not seem open to objection. If someone says, “I am lying,” for example, and we assume that his statement is true, it must be false. The paradox is that the statement “I am lying” is false if it is true.

Read Also:

  • Paradox application language

    (PAL) The programming language for Paradox, Borland’s relational database. (1995-01-26)

  • Paradoxical

    [par-uh-dok-si-kuh l] /ˌpær əˈdɒk sɪ kəl/ adjective 1. having the nature of a ; self-contradictory. 2. Medicine/Medical. not being the normal or usual kind: Stimulants are a paradoxical, albeit effective, medication used for certain forms of hyperactivity. adj. 1580s, from paradox + -ical. Competing forms were paradoxal (1560s), paradoxial (1620s), but they survive in niches, […]

  • Paradoxical contraction

    paradoxical contraction n. A contraction of the shin muscles in response to sudden backward flexing of the foot, as during a physical examination.

  • Paradoxical diaphragm phenomenon

    paradoxical diaphragm phenomenon n. A phenomenon occurring in pyopneumothorax, hydropneumothorax, and some cases of injury in which the diaphragm on the affected side rises during inspiration and falls during expiration.

  • Paradoxical embolism

    paradoxical embolism n. The obstruction of a systemic artery by an embolus that originates in the venous system and reaches the arterial system through a septal defect or an open oval foramen of the heart.


Disclaimer: Paradoxal definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.