A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true: the paradox that standing is more tiring than walking.
One exhibiting inexplicable or contradictory aspects: �The silence of midnight, to speak truly, though apparently a paradox, rung in my ears� (Mary Shelley).
An assertion that is essentially self-contradictory, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises.
A statement contrary to received opinion.
Charles Dickin's uses paradox to compare the times of England and France and explain the confusion that the people went through during the reign of Terror; People would say one thing, then contradict themselves to believe what another person said instead.