Langimage
English

paradoxically

|par-a-dox-i-cal-ly|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌpærəˈdɑːksɪkli/

🇬🇧

/ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkli/

(paradoxical)

contradictory

Base FormAdverb
paradoxicalparadoxically
Etymology
Etymology Information

'paradoxically' originates from the Greek word 'paradoxos', where 'para-' meant 'beside' and 'doxa' meant 'opinion'.

Historical Evolution

'paradoxos' transformed into the Latin word 'paradoxum', and eventually became the modern English word 'paradox' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'contrary to expectation', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'seemingly contradictory yet possibly true'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense yet is perhaps true.

Paradoxically, the more you try to impress, the less impressive you seem.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45