1. A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true: the paradox that standing is more tiring than walking.2. One exhibiting inexplicable or contradictory aspects: “The silence of midnight, to speak truly, though apparently a paradox, rung in my ears” (Mary Shelley, The Last Man 1826). 3. An assertion that is essentially self-contradictory, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises. 4. A statement contrary to received opinion.
ETYMOLOGY:
Latin paradoxum, from Greek paradoxon, from neuter sing. of paradoxos, conflicting with expectation : para-, beyond; see para–1 + doxa, opinion (from dokein, to think; see dek- in Appendix I).
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