paradox | paradoxical | paradoxically

A ‘paradox’ describes a situation involving two or more facts, ideas, or qualities that seem to contradict each other. Such things may at first appear false or opposed to common sense, but when considered properly reveal a deeper truth.

1. It’s a curious paradox that there can be so much poverty in the richest nation in the world.

2. Anne is quite a paradoxical figure. She is the class clown and makes everybody laugh, yet she is also the most introspective and thoughtful.

3. Paradoxically, some scientists have warned that continued global warming could lead to a new Ice Age.