Paradoxe (en. Paradox)

/pa.ʁa.dɔks/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Proposition that seems to contradict itself but can be true.

The paradox of omniscience raises fascinating questions.

Le paradoxe de l'omniscience soulève des questions fascinantes.

Situation or condition that presents a striking contrast.

This situation is a paradox of modern society.

Cette situation est un paradoxe de la société moderne.

Statement that defies intuition.

The idea that the more you know, the more you realize how little you know is a paradox.

L'idée que plus on sait, plus on réalise à quel point on ne sait rien est un paradoxe.

From the Greek 'paradoxon', derived from 'para' (against) and 'doxa' (opinion).

the paradox of choice

Overabundance of options that leads to dissatisfaction.

le paradoxe du choix

temporal paradox

Inconsistency related to time travel.

paradoxe temporel

paradox of the economy

Situation where economic logic seems to contradict intuition.

paradoxe de l'économie

contradiction

A statement or situation that opposes another.

contradiction

absurd

That challenges logic or common sense.

absurde

oxymoron

Rhetorical figure that associates two contradictory terms.

oxymore

A twisted thing

This explanation is a real twisted thing that defies common sense.

Cette explication est un vrai truc tordu qui défie le bon sens.

A puzzle

It's a puzzle, this paradox isn't easily explained.

C'est un casse-tête, ce paradoxe ne s'explique pas facilement.