C2adjectiveformalphilosophyacademic
US/ˌper.əˈdɑːk.sɪ.kəl/
UK/ˌpær.əˈdɒk.sɪ.kəl/
seeming to contradict itself, yet possibly true
In context
It is paradoxical that people feel lonelier in a world with more ways to connect.
The paradoxical result surprised the researchers, who expected the opposite.
She felt a paradoxical mix of relief and sadness when the job ended.
Words that go with paradoxical
adjective + noun
- paradoxical effectThe drug had a paradoxical effect on the patients.
- paradoxical situationThey found themselves in a paradoxical situation.
- paradoxical resultThe paradoxical result puzzled the team.
adjective + preposition
- paradoxical toThe advice may sound paradoxical to beginners.
adverb + adjective
- somewhat paradoxicalIt is somewhat paradoxical to save money by spending more.
- deeply paradoxicalHer position is deeply paradoxical.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
It is a paradox situation.Correct: It is a paradoxical situation.