Basic Details
Word: Paradox
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A statement or situation that seems impossible or contradictory but may actually be true.
Synonyms: Contradiction, anomaly, puzzle
Antonyms: Consistency, agreement, harmony
Idioms and Phrases
- Paradox of choice: The idea that having too many options can lead to anxiety and indecision. Example: "With so many ice-cream flavours, she experienced the paradox of choice and couldnt decide what to get!"
- Less is more: Often seen as a paradox where simplicity leads to better results or experiences. Example: "In the case of her dress, less is more; the simple design was far more elegant than over-the-top embellishments."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The statement "I always lie" is a famous paradox because if it's true, then it must be false.
Example 2: Its a paradox that sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to take a step back and relax.
Example 3: The paradox of time travel often appears in science fiction, where characters can meet their future selves.
Fun Fact
The word "paradox" comes from the Greek word "paradoxon," which literally means "contrary to expectation." Paradoxes have been used in literature and philosophy for centuries to challenge perceptions and provoke thought.
Famous Quote
"This is a paradox: the fewer things we want, the more we get." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "paradox" mean?
a) A type of animal
b) A statement that seems contradictory but may be true
c) A simple instruction
d) A mathematical equation
Answer: b) A statement that seems contradictory but may be true
2. Which of these is a synonym for "paradox"?
a) Agreement
b) Puzzle
c) Consistency
d) Harmony
Answer: b) Puzzle
3. What is an antonym of "paradox"?
a) Contradiction
b) Anomaly
c) Consistency
d) Uncertainty
Answer: c) Consistency
4. Which sentence correctly uses "paradox"?
a) The paradox of his behaviour is that he is very shy but loves to perform on stage.
b) The paradox of water is that its always frozen.
c) The paradox runs very fast.
d) The paradox has a loud voice.
Answer: a) The paradox of his behaviour is that he is very shy but loves to perform on stage.
5. Which idiom refers to a paradoxical situation?
a) Paradox of choice
b) Needle in a haystack
c) Feeling under the weather
d) A piece of cake
Answer: a) Paradox of choice
