Paradox Figure of Speech: Examples and Worksheet

What Is a Paradox in Figure of Speech?

A paradox is generally a statement or situation that seems impossible together. Paradoxes include ironic or contradictory statements that make the sentence more interesting and thought-provoking.

Also, you can use them to reveal truths by using irrational statements. Below are some paradoxical figures of speech examples. Check them out for a better understanding.

Ignorance is strength.

This phrase suggests someone’s lack of knowledge can become another’s source for power.

Less is more.

This phrase indicates that a smaller volume can be meaningful or more effective than abundance.

Although these sentences are small, they have a prominent impact on the reader’s thoughts. This is because they force readers to pause and think about what it means. Now that you know about the paradox figure of speech meaning, and examples, see a few more sentences that include paradoxes.

10 Examples of Paradox in Figure of Speech

You have studied the basics of paradox in the above paragraph, but to develop a clear understanding, you should review the examples below.

1. The only constant is change.

This phrase highlights the absurd nature of change through its variable and constant factors.

2. The swiftest traveller is he that goes afoot.

This paradox challenges the notion that faster transport is always better, by suggesting that sometimes profound experience only comes through slower transportation.

3. War is peace.

This statement shows a thought-provoking hint by suggesting that conflict is crucial for maintaining peace in society. It is a significant slogan in George Orwell’s novel 1984.

4. Save money by spending it.

The decision to save more money can collectively worsen the economy. If every individual stops spending money, it can affect the market and ruin business growth.

5. This is the beginning of the end.

This phrase suggests that endings also indicate new beginnings. Moreover, this paradox reveals life’s cyclical nature by showing endings as the new starting point.

6. I can resist anything but temptation.

This paradoxical statement suggests that while people can withstand many things, they can feel weak when faced with temptation.

7. The more you give, the more you get.

This sentence indicates that kindness leads to positive returns, although they contradict each other.

8. If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness.

This paradox is deep and thoughtful, as it explains that if you need to protect your secret, then you must reveal it.

9. I’m a compulsive liar.

It is a self-contradictory statement; a compulsive liar cannot be honest. However, it shows the hidden truth of the individual’s nature.

10. The only rule is that there are no rules.

It can be inferred as the mode of embracing flexibility, freedom and individuality in a given context. Moreover, it means that there are no specific rules; there is only one rule: no rules.

After reading the above sentences, you can observe a pattern within each sentence as they include contradicting phrases. It is one of the main characteristics of a paradox in figure of speech. Following this, below are some key features of the paradox that you should check out.

Also read- Hyperbole Figure of Speech

Key Characteristics of a Paradox

As you have already read, just like an oxymoron, it is also a figure of speech, but the way of expressing the contradiction is different in both speeches. Hence, it has its characteristics, which can help you form the correct paradoxical sentences. Read below to learn about the key features of paradoxes.

• Seeming Contradiction- Paradox reflects apparent contradictory statements, which clash with logical reasoning and common sense.
• Budding for Truth—Being contradictory within initial phrases, a paradox may disclose the underlying truth or a new method of understanding a given situation.
• Thought-Provoking—Paradoxes encourage exploration and critical thinking, which makes the sentences more engaging and allows the author to present the ideas more effectively.
• Confronts Logic- Paradoxes frequently challenge logical thinking, and they seem illogical at the very first glance.
• Complexity and Ambiguity - Paradoxes can introduce complexity or uncertainty into a statement, making it open to multiple interpretations.
• Express Irony- Paradoxes often express absurdities or ironies and highlight the comparison between different perspectives. It is a similar characteristic of antithesis and paradox. However, the way of expressing the irony is different for both figures of speech.
• Can be Literary- The figure of speech paradox can also exist within literature as a rhetorical device.

By now, you should have understood the figure of speech paradox definition and examples. Hence, now comprehend the use of literary paradoxes by reading the examples of paradox in literature mentioned below.

Example of Paradox in Literature

Paradox is an influential tool in literature, as it offers various tactics to create remarkable moments, provoke thoughts, and add depth. Thus, paradox helps readers become more engaged in the story or poetry.

Here are a few examples of literary paradox:

Worksheet

Now that you have gained all the basic insights regarding the paradoxical figure of speech and why they are required within sentences. Let’s examine your understanding by answering the questions mentioned below. Read each question and answer why this is a paradox. You should remember that a paradoxical statement can appear contradictory but reveal an underlying truth.

Questions

1. “Less is more.”
2. “I know one thing: that I know nothing.”
3. “This is the beginning of the end.”
4. “You have to be cruel to be kind.”
5. “The only constant is change.”
6. “I’m a compulsive liar.”
7. “Nobody goes to that restaurant—it’s too crowded.”
8. “I always lie.”
9. “The more you learn, the more you realise how little you know.”
10. “This statement is false.”

Answers:

1. It is impossible, and logically it is not correct. How can less be more? However, it shows that simplicity can result in a great impact. Hence, it is a paradoxical sentence.
2. This statement shows that identifying your ignorance shows wisdom, thus making it a paradoxical statement.
3. In this statement, we can see something is ending and beginning at the same time, which is logically incorrect, but it indicates something is going to take place to collapse.
4. The statement has two opposite characteristics, kindness and cruelty, which are features of paradoxical statements. Although it indicates harsh activities can help someone, specifically in the long run.
5. If something consistently changes, then how can change be constant? Thus, making it a paradoxical statement shows that change is an important and reliable part of our lives.
6. As the speaker mentioned, he always lies; there is a chance that he must be lying in this sentence, or maybe it's true, hence making the sentence contradictory in itself.
7. This statement clearly states nobody goes to the restaurant, but also conveys that the place is too crowded. In this sentence, there's an underlying truth because people just avoid going there due to too many people.
8. Due to a self-contradicting sentence, this statement is paradoxical because if it is a true sentence, then the speaker is lying.
9. This statement shows that you discover many unknown things when you start learning new things. Thus, learning should make you feel smarter, but this statement indicates that more learning means little knowledge.
10. This statement creates a rational circle between whether it's true or false.

Conclusion

To sum up, the learning paradox figure of speech is crucial if you want to make your writing extraordinary. However, many people can face difficulties to learn them if they don’t know the basics of using paradox. Hence, this blog explained everything regarding the paradox, including the examples and worksheet.

However, if you still face issues using them within your sentences, then connect with our experts at Gradding.com. They offer expert guidance with personalised education to meet your specific needs. Contact now!

FAQ’s

1. What is a paradox with an example?

A paradox is a part of the figure of speech that shows sentences with deeper meaning and humour by using contradictory or illogical sentences. A popular example of a paradox is “Less is more”. This statement shows a valid point by indicating the importance of simplicity for effective results.

2. What is the difference between a paradox and an antithesis?

Paradox and antithesis are rhetorical devices. Both include contrasting ideas, but they present them in different ways. Antithesis often balances two opposing ideas, whereas paradox presents a contradictory statement.

3. Are oxymoron and paradox the same?

No, a paradox and an oxymoron are not the same thing, even though they both indicate a kind of conflict or contradiction. An oxymoron combines contradictory words like working vacation. However, a paradox is a situation that seems absurd but conveys a vital truth.

4. Is bittersweet a paradox?

Yes, it is a paradox, and you can also consider it an oxymoron.

5. What is the purpose of the paradox?

A paradox is a seemingly self-contradictory statement, and the reader must scrutinise it to understand the hidden truth behind the contradictory statement. This shows that the key purpose of using a paradox is to grab the reader’s attention and provoke thoughts.