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   Par·a·dox

   /ˈperəˌdäks/

   

   noun

   • 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"
   • ▪ 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"

   Word 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’.

   Scrabble Points: 17

   • P

     3

   • A

     1

   • R

     1

   • A

     1

   • D

     2

   • O

     1

   • X

     8

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