paradoxical
paradoxical — adjective
- paradoxicalpositive
- more paradoxicalcomparative
- most paradoxicalsuperlative
1. describing a situation, idea, or statement that joins two features or facts that
describing a situation, idea, or statement that joins two features or facts that look like complete opposites, producing a result that seems unlikely or impossible when you first hear it
Rachel finds it paradoxical that her team produces more when she works fewer hours.
it is paradoxical that + clause
In a paradoxical twist, the medicine that treats the disease can also cause similar effects.
paradoxical + noun (attributive: paradoxical twist)
Eli cycling through a rainstorm seemed paradoxical to friends who knew he hated rain.
The professor gave a paradoxical explanation that left the students more confused than before.
Nairobi's traffic lights create a paradoxical situation where stopping early gets you home faster.
- contradictory
broader term for things that are in direct opposition; 'paradoxical' adds the nuance of seeming impossibility despite being true
- inconsistent
focuses on lack of alignment rather than the surprising coexistence of opposites
- incongruous
stresses being out of place or not fitting the expected context, rather than logical contradiction
- illogical
describes something that breaks logical rules, while 'paradoxical' can describe something that only appears to break them
- consistent
elements fit together smoothly with no apparent conflict
- logical
follows clear reasoning without contradiction
- straightforward
easy to understand with no hidden opposites
文法句型
it is paradoxical that + clause
paradoxical + noun
seem paradoxical + to + person
用法筆記
Frequently used in academic and formal registers. Common in patterns like 'it is paradoxical that...' for introducing a contradiction that challenges expectations. Often modifies nouns such as 'effect', 'situation', 'result', 'nature', and 'twist'.