Define Paradox

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par·a·dox

/ˈperəˌdäks/

noun

noun: paradox; plural noun: paradoxes

1. a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

   "in a paradox, he has discovered that stepping back from his job has increased the rewards he gleans from it"

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   Similar:

   contradiction

contradiction in terms

self-contradiction

inconsistency

incongruity

anomaly

conflict

absurdity

oddity

enigma

puzzle

mystery

conundrum

oxymoron

1. antinomy

   • a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory.

     "a potentially serious conflict between quantum mechanics and the general theory of relativity known as the information paradox"
   • a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.

     "the mingling of deciduous trees with elements of desert flora forms a fascinating ecological paradox"

Origin

mid 16th century (originally denoting a statement contrary to accepted opinion): via late Latin from Greek paradoxon ‘contrary (opinion)’, neuter adjective used as a noun, from para- ‘distinct from’ + doxa ‘opinion’.