paradoxically
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- in a paradoxical manner
- paradoxically, ice ages seem to occur when the sun gets hotter