Definition

Adverb: * In a way that seems self-contradictory or absurd but may, in fact, be true or logical. It describes a situation, statement, or outcome that appears to defy common sense or expectation.

Usage

Use "paradoxically" to introduce or describe a fact or result that is surprising because it seems to contradict another fact or a general expectation. It is often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

Examples

• Paradoxically, the stricter the rules became, the more people tried to break them.
• The treatment was simple but, paradoxically, highly effective.
• He argued that paradoxically, having less choice can sometimes make people happier.

Advanced Usage

• Logical Contrast: Used to highlight a logical tension between two observations.
  • The device is paradoxically both incredibly complex in design and remarkably simple to use.
• Introducing a Counterintuitive Result: Often precedes the surprising consequence of an action or situation.
  • Paradoxically, the measure intended to reduce costs ended up increasing them.

Variants and Related Words

• Paradox (noun): A statement or situation that exhibits contradiction.
  • The idea of "less is more" is a common paradox.
• Paradoxical (adjective): Having the nature of a paradox.
  • It was a paradoxical result that confused the researchers.

Synonyms

• Contradictorily
• Ironically
• Illogically (though "paradoxically" often implies an underlying logic)
• Inconsistently

Antonyms

• Logically
• Consistently
• Predictably
• Understandably

Related Phrases

• Seemingly paradoxically: Used to soften the assertion, acknowledging the apparent contradiction.
  • Seemingly paradoxically, the quietest student gave the most powerful speech.

Adverb

1. in a paradoxical manner
   • paradoxically, ice ages seem to occur when the sun gets hotter