ETYM French paradoxe, Latin paradoxum, from Greek; para beside, beyond, contrary to + dokein to think, suppose, imagine. Related to Para-, and Dogma.
Apparently self-contradictory statement; heterodox statement.
Statement that seems contradictory but contains an element of truth. The truth is emphasized by the unexpected form of expression. The Bible is a rich source of paradox: “Love your enemies”; “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.”.
(In logic) A self-contradiction.