paradoxically
/ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌpærəˈdɑːksɪkli/ (ame, ipa)
paradoxically — adverb
1. used when introducing a statement that, on its surface, contradicts itself or co
used when introducing a statement that, on its surface, contradicts itself or common sense — for example, when more freedom leads to less happiness, or when staying silent communicates more than speaking does.
Paradoxically, the more Aylin practised her speech, the more nervous she became.
sentence-initial: 'Paradoxically, ...' introduces a counterintuitive observation
The harder Femi tried to fall asleep, paradoxically, the more wide-awake he felt.
mid-sentence: comma-set 'paradoxically' inside a 'the more ... the more' frame
Cutting taxes can, paradoxically, raise total government income when more businesses choose to open.
Aarav grew up in a tiny village but, paradoxically, knows every major world capital.
Lan felt happier with fewer clothes — paradoxically free with only ten items in her wardrobe.
- ironically
highlights an outcome opposite to what was intended or hoped for; more about fate than logic
- counterintuitively
near-synonym; stresses that the result clashes with what common sense predicts, with less of the 'self-contradicting' feel
- oddly enough
informal; softer flag for a surprising fact without the strong logical-contradiction framing
- predictably
result lines up with what one would expect
- unsurprisingly
outcome is the expected one given the situation
文法句型
paradoxically, + clause
clause, paradoxically
用法筆記
Functions as a sentence adverb — sits at the start of a clause, between commas, or before an adjective, signalling that what follows runs against expectation. Frequently pairs with 'the more ... the more', 'although', 'despite', or a 'but' clause.