paradoxical truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paradoxical truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or concept that seems contradictory but may reveal an underlying truth upon closer examination. Example: "The idea that less is more is a classic example of a paradoxical truth in design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The central, painful and paradoxical truth is that Primo Levi was depressed before and after Auschwitz, but not in it.

The New Yorker

Thus giving expression, in these two words, to the paradoxical truth that the only constant in the universe is change.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Roberts is indeed right to remind the reader of "the paradoxical truth that Stalin was the dictator who defeated Hitler and helped save the world for democracy".

The Economist

The paradoxical truth may be that the less volatile business cycle (until recently) encouraged investors to take bigger risks with borrowed money, driving asset prices too high and ending in damaging busts.

The Economist

The paradoxical truth about the jobs numbers is that they are much better than their critics say they are but nowhere near as good as investors believe them to be.

The New Yorker

In a theory that she treats as startling, Ms. Angier states that "the central, painful and paradoxical truth is that Primo Levi was depressed before and after Auschwitz, but not in it".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Great leaders are defined today not by having the right answers but by the willingness to embrace and grapple with conflicting and sometimes paradoxical "truths".

The New York Times

During nursing school, I remember my first clinical instructor initiating us into one of the paradoxical truths of health care: "You don't come to the hospital to sleep".

The New York Times

According to Bronowski, Bohr also said that to think about the paradoxical truths of quantum mechanics is to think in images, because the only way to know anything about the invisible is to create an image of it that is by definition a human construct, a model, a half-truth trying to hint at the real truth.

The Guardian - Arts

But when we examine it closer, it appears to be one of these paradoxical half-truths that litter our understanding of human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, the goal of the RTT is to give an account of our often unstable and often paradoxical reasoning about truth.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paradoxical truth" when you want to highlight a statement that appears self-contradictory but contains a deeper, underlying validity. This phrase is particularly effective in philosophical, analytical, or persuasive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "paradoxical truth" for simple ironies or everyday contradictions. This phrase carries a weight of philosophical depth, so reserve it for situations where the contradiction reveals a significant or unexpected insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paradoxical truth" functions as a noun phrase, where "paradoxical" modifies the noun "truth". It describes a truth that is seemingly contradictory or self-defeating, but contains a deeper, underlying validity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is used correctly in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "paradoxical truth" describes a statement that seems self-contradictory, yet reveals a deeper, underlying validity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used in various contexts, mostly in news and media, with neutral and formal registers, and for analytical precisions. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its philosophical weight and complexity, avoiding overuse in simple or commonplace situations. Exploring related phrases like "ironic truth" or "surprising truth" can provide alternative nuances. Remember to clearly explain the deeper meaning behind the apparent contradiction to maximize the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paradoxical reality

Shifts the focus from a statement to a situation or state of affairs.

ironic truth

Focuses on the contrast between expectation and reality in the truth.

puzzling truth

Focuses on the confusing or perplexing aspect of the truth.

conflicting truth

Focuses on the idea that the truth opposes other truths or beliefs.

extraordinary truth

Emphasizes the surprising or remarkable nature of the truth, rather than its contradictory aspect.

absurd truth

Highlights the seemingly illogical or nonsensical nature of the truth.

strange truth

Highlights the unusual or unfamiliar nature of the truth.

surprising truth

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the truth.

ambiguous truth

Suggests the truth is unclear or open to multiple interpretations.

incompatible truth

Highlights the idea that the truth clashes with other ideas or beliefs.

FAQs

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

To use "paradoxical truth" effectively, present the seemingly contradictory statement clearly and then explain the deeper truth it reveals. For example, "The "paradoxical truth" is that sometimes, by giving up control, you gain more power".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "paradoxical truth"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "ironic truth", "surprising truth", or "puzzling truth". The best choice will depend on the context.

Is it redundant to say "paradoxical truth" since paradoxes often involve truth?

While paradoxes often hint at a deeper truth, the phrase "paradoxical truth" emphasizes that the apparent contradiction ultimately reveals a valid and important insight. It clarifies that the paradox isn't just an intellectual game, but a pathway to understanding.

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

A simple contradiction presents two opposing ideas that cannot both be true. A "paradoxical truth", on the other hand, presents ideas that seem opposing but, upon closer examination, reveal a deeper or more nuanced truth that reconciles the apparent conflict.