Definition
“one (such as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases.” Merriam Webster. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/
paradox#:~:text=Definition%20of%20paradox,that%20at%20first%20seems%20true.
Accessed 7 Sept. 2022.
Informal Definition
“A paradox is a statement that appears at first to be contradictory, but upon reflection then makes sense. This literary device is commonly used to engage a reader to discover an underlying logic in a seemingly self-contradictory statement or phrase.” Literary Devices. literarydevices.net/paradox/. Accessed 7 Sept. 2022.
Etymology
“1530s, "a statement contrary to common belief or expectation," from French paradoxe (14c.) and directly from Latin paradoxum "paradox, statement seemingly absurd yet really true," from Greek paradoxon "incredible statement or opinion," 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" (from PIE root *dek- "to take, accept").” Online Etymology Dictionary. www.etymonline.com/word/paradox. Accessed 7 Sept.
2022.
Samantha Male