paradoxically

[par-uh-dok-sik-lee]

adverb

1. in a self-contradictory or seemingly self-contradictory way.

   Paradoxically, the more we know, the more we identify an increasing number of questions to which we as yet have no answers.

Other Word Forms

• nonparadoxically adverb
• ultraparadoxically adverb
• unparadoxically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of paradoxically¹

paradoxical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Yet a probe focused on senior officials is paradoxically a sign that Kyiv is getting better at fighting corruption.

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A keystone’s angled downward pressure on each side locks the larger form in place, paradoxically allowing the arch to rise up.

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Dutiful Meg paradoxically longs for leisure and fashionable clothes; impetuous Jo yearns for literary fame; shy, music-loving Beth wishes only for everyone to be happy; artistic Amy craves admiration and status.

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The oddball nature of the product, paradoxically, is probably the reason you’ve heard of it.

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The US military campaign in the Caribbean to combat drug trafficking paradoxically demonstrates that drugs have not been eradicated in the region and remain a priority for Washington.

Read more on BBC