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paradox

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paradox

Main Entry:: par·a·dox
Pronunciation:: \ˈper-ə-ˌdäks, ˈpa-rə-\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Latin paradoxum, from Greek paradoxon, from neuter of paradoxos contrary to expectation, from para- + dokein to think, seem — more at decent
Date:: 1540

1: a tenet contrary to received opinion2 a: a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true b: a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true c: an argument that apparently derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises3: one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases

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