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CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Paradox

Definition

(formal, philosophical) A statement or situation that contradicts itself or appears to defy logic, yet may still be true or valid; a seemingly absurd or contradictory idea that, when examined more closely, reveals a hidden truth or insight.

Example Sentences

1The liar paradox, which states 'this sentence is false', has puzzled philosophers for centuries with its self-referential contradiction.
2The paradox of thrift argues that, in times of economic downturn, saving more can actually worsen the situation by reducing overall demand.
3The twin paradox in special relativity, where one twin ages less than the other due to time dilation, has been extensively tested and confirmed experimentally.
4The paradox of tolerance suggests that, in order to maintain a tolerant society, one must sometimes be intolerant of intolerance itself.
5The Sorites paradox, or 'paradox of the heap', questions how we can define the exact point at which a collection of grains becomes a heap, highlighting the ambiguity of language and the nature of categorization.

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