paradoxical idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paradoxical idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concept or notion that seems contradictory or self-defeating but may hold some truth or insight. Example: "The notion that one must lose oneself to find oneself is a paradoxical idea that has intrigued philosophers for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It is in itself a slightly paradoxical idea.

The Guardian - Sport

That stands to reason: luxury trades on the – paradoxical – idea of abundant scarcity.

The Guardian

Set aside for a moment the paradoxical idea that free societies must be less free to protect their freedoms.

The Guardian - Opinion

And as bohemianism itself became institutionalized, Mr. Wyeth encapsulated the artistic conservatives' paradoxical idea of disobedience through traditional behavior.

The New York Times - Arts

The paradoxical idea of infinitesimal quantities preoccupied ancient Greek mathematicians, especially Archimedes, who used the concept to calculate volumes of circles, cylinders, and spheres.

The New Yorker

I guess in a way it's a paradoxical idea, which is people should not be fearful or ashamed that their religious commitments affect their politics, but they should be respectful of those who don't share their commitments.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Full of faith in himself, he was an irreverent person who took pleasure in proposing paradoxical ideas.

Britannica

Perhaps because there wasn't much to draw me in, I found myself idly pondering the bits of gnomic Buddhist thought that occasional flashed onto the supertitles, only to disappear before their paradoxical ideas could be properly digested.

The New York Times

The consistency of ancient Greek and later Western thinkers, from Aristotle through Descartes, was of scant concern to them, but in the vitality of their style, some of these Russian theorists were masters, whose turbulent, paradoxical ideas were taken to heart by novelists, poets, and statesmen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the most paradoxical ideas to wrap your head around in all of physics is that the equations that describe the Universe are just that: equations describing things we can physically observe.

Forbes

Businesses that can adopt paradoxical ideas, can be that much more agile and responsive to change.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "paradoxical idea", ensure that the contradictory elements are clearly articulated to avoid confusion and highlight the intended intellectual tension or insight.

Common error

Avoid using "paradoxical idea" without providing sufficient context. Failing to explain the inherent contradiction can lead to misinterpretation and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paradoxical idea" functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. The adjective "paradoxical" modifies the noun "idea", indicating that the idea in question contains seemingly contradictory elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "paradoxical idea" is a valid and frequently used expression to describe concepts containing contradictory elements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its presence across various reputable sources, like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicates its versatility. When using this phrase, clarity is key, so ensure that the conflicting elements of the idea are clearly articulated to maximize comprehension. Alternatives such as "self-contradictory notion" or "contradictory concept" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Understanding and explaining the elements is key for an effective communication of "paradoxical idea".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-contradictory notion

Replaces "idea" with "notion" and emphasizes the self-contradictory aspect.

contradictory concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept" for a slightly more formal tone and highlights the conflicting elements.

ironic concept

Substitutes "paradoxical" with "ironic", focusing on the unexpected or incongruous nature of the concept.

seemingly absurd notion

Emphasizes the apparent ridiculousness of the idea while acknowledging its potential merit.

counterintuitive concept

Highlights the way the idea defies common sense or intuition.

oxymoronic concept

Uses a more technical term, "oxymoronic", to describe the combination of contradictory terms.

conflicting notion

Emphasizes the elements within the idea that are in opposition to each other.

tenuous concept

Suggests that the idea may be difficult to defend due to its inherent contradictions.

incongruous concept

Focuses on the mismatch or lack of harmony within the idea.

dichotomous concept

Highlights the division or contrast within the idea.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "paradoxical idea" in a sentence?

To effectively use "paradoxical idea", introduce the concept, clearly state the contradictory elements, and then explain how the apparent contradiction can lead to a deeper understanding or insight. For example, "The "paradoxical idea" that sometimes less is more can be seen in minimalist art."

What are some alternatives to "paradoxical idea"?

You can use alternatives such as "self-contradictory notion", "contradictory concept", or "ironic concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to fully resolve a "paradoxical idea" when discussing it?

No, it is not always necessary to fully resolve it. Often, the value lies in exploring the tension and implications of the contradiction itself, rather than seeking a definitive resolution. The goal is often to provoke thought or expose deeper truths.

How does a "paradoxical idea" differ from a simple contradiction?

A "paradoxical idea" presents elements that appear contradictory on the surface but may reveal a hidden truth or a more nuanced understanding upon closer examination. A simple contradiction, on the other hand, typically lacks such underlying coherence or insight.