paradox

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun paradox has 1 sense

paradox - (logic) a self-contradiction; "`I always lie' is a paradox because if it is true it must be false"
--₁ is a kind of contradiction, contradiction in terms

Definitions from the Web

Paradox

Definition:

A paradox is a statement or situation that appears contradictory or absurd, yet may be true or have a plausible explanation.

Parts of Speech:

Noun

Senses and Usages:

Sense: Logical Paradox

In logic, a paradox is a self-contradictory or logically unacceptable statement or argument. It challenges the principles of reasoning.

Example Sentence: The statement "This sentence is false" is a classic example of a logical paradox.

Sense: Verbal Paradox

A verbal paradox refers to situations where the meaning of a phrase or sentence contradicts itself, often causing confusion or amusement.

Example Sentence: "I always lie" is a classic verbal paradox that leaves people pondering its truthfulness.

Sense: Situational Paradox

A situational paradox is a seemingly impossible or contradictory situation that challenges common sense or expectations.

Example Sentence: The concept of a "jumbo shrimp" is a situational paradox since shrimp are typically small, not large.

Sense: Time Paradox

A time paradox is a hypothetical situation where an event or action in the past influences events in the future, causing a contradiction.

Example Sentence: In the movie "Back to the Future," Marty McFly's presence in the past creates a time paradox when it alters his own future.