paradoxically

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "paradoxically" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb that is defined as "in a way that is surprising because it is very different from what you would expect" or "seemingly opposed to common sense yet may still be true". For example, "Paradoxically, some of the most anti-social celebrities are actually the most generous with charitable donations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has the effect of making the figurative drawing more abstract, paradoxically, neutralising the shock effect of the splayed limbs, the proffered genitalia, the immediate sexual context of artist and model.

The Guardian - Arts

Initial performances – even Stravinsky's own – of this immensely complex score were often on the edge of collapse, but the piece is now part of the international orchestral repertoire and the greatest risk it faces today, paradoxically, is routine renditions which make a work which should shock seem safe and easy.

The Guardian - Music

Paradoxically, improvements to the safety of abortion in Chile is good news for women's immediate health concerns but does nothing to help highlight the severity and unpopularity of the law in the long run.

The Guardian

Both are drawn from reviews in the Sunday Times by Waldemar Januszczak: "Rothko's problem… is the dark myth that he allowed to emerge around him while he was alive… This tremulous Rothko story line presents him as the Melancholy Martyr of Modernism, a deeply pessimistic presence whose painted fogs sag, paradoxically, with tons of heavyweight spirituality… His suicide topped it all off splendidly.

The Guardian

Paradoxically, the threat of involving the police is used to stop people trying to escape.

The Guardian - Opinion

The occasion for our lunch is the re-release of his 1971 Kinks album Muswell Hillbillies, a period piece which paradoxically, like all of his music, stands up well to time.

The Guardian - Music

But, paradoxically, as Scotland's voting behaviour continued to diverge from the rest of the UK, it increasingly resembled the rest of the country.

The Guardian

He goes completely stripped-back, using a loop pedal and acoustic guitar, and it's his bread and butter – for all the Pharrell productions, it's this immediacy that has paradoxically won him three sold out nights at Wembley Stadium.

The Guardian - Music

Boehner will nonetheless hang on, and seemingly paradoxically become stronger; movement conservatives will get to feel like they have a voice; movement conservatism's activist money farms will garner another fundraising outrage; Louie and Charles and David (either one) will get to count bills.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the longer term, Cowen and his party are clinging to the hope that the very thing that has landed them in trouble, the economy, will paradoxically turn around their fortunes.

The Guardian

Paradoxically, the failure of the American government to offer military assistance to Africans when assistance is needed is not something many of us have been quick to forgive or forget.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paradoxically" to introduce a statement that seems self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth or unexpected outcome. Ensure the statement that follows genuinely presents a paradoxical situation, not just a surprising one.

Common error

Avoid using "paradoxically" when the situation is merely surprising or unexpected, rather than genuinely self-contradictory. A simple surprising event doesn't warrant the use of "paradoxically"; save it for true paradoxes.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "paradoxically" functions as a discourse marker, signaling to the reader that the upcoming statement will present a situation that appears self-contradictory or contrary to expectation. Ludwig AI highlights numerous instances of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "paradoxically" is a valuable tool for introducing statements that appear self-contradictory but hold a deeper truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. To ensure effective use, reserve it for genuine paradoxes rather than simple surprises. Alternatives like "surprisingly" or "contrary to what one might expect" can be considered for situations where a true paradox isn't present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to what one might expect

Emphasizes the contrast with typical expectations.

surprisingly

Highlights the unexpected nature of the situation.

in an unexpected twist

Focuses on the element of surprise and reversal.

against all odds

Highlights the improbability of the situation.

believe it or not

Expresses disbelief or incredulity.

in a curious turn of events

Draws attention to the unusual sequence of events.

oddly enough

Emphasizes the strange or peculiar nature of the situation.

it may seem counterintuitive, but

Acknowledges the apparent contradiction before explaining.

in a self-contradictory manner

Directly points out the contradictory nature of the statement.

in an ironic fashion

Highlights the ironic nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "paradoxically" in a sentence?

"Paradoxically" is used to introduce a statement that seems self-contradictory but may be true. For example, "Paradoxically, the stricter the rules, the more creative the workarounds become."

What words can I use instead of "paradoxically"?

You can use alternatives like "surprisingly", "contrary to what one might expect", or "oddly enough" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "paradoxically"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and stylistically acceptable to begin a sentence with "paradoxically". It serves to immediately signal the contradictory nature of the statement that follows.

What's the difference between "paradoxically" and "ironically"?

"Paradoxically" highlights a self-contradictory situation, while "ironically" points out a contrast between expectation and reality. While these can overlap, "paradoxically" focuses more on the inherent contradiction, and "ironically" focuses on the unexpected or absurd nature of the outcome.