Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: “Paradox” (January 11, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode of the Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day podcast explores the word “paradox”—its meaning, origins, and usage. Host Peter Sokolowski breaks down how a paradox is more than simply a contradiction; it’s a concept that stretches our understanding and challenges assumptions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Definition of “Paradox”

• Paradox is a noun:
  • Something made up of two opposite things that seems impossible but is actually true or possible
  • Someone who does seemingly opposite things or has qualities that are opposites
  • A statement that appears to contradict itself, yet may be true
  • The use of such statements in writing or speech
  • (00:11)

2. Example in Literature

• Quote from Jane Bowles’ “Two Serious Ladies” (as paraphrased in Sheila Hetty’s introduction):
  • “In some ways, I think the idea of a serious lady might even be a paradox. If to be serious means to understand the world according to one's own precepts, experiences, and observations, and to behave in a way that reflects this.
    A lady, on the other hand, follows rules that others have devised. How then, can a serious lady be anything other than a very peculiar and odd creature, which the women in this book certainly are?”
  • (00:26)

3. Historical Perspective

• Ancient Greeks recognized the value of paradoxes for moving thought “beyond our usual way.”
• Example: The phrase “less is more” as a classic paradox.
• Greek roots:
  • Para (beyond/outside of) + dokaein (to think) → paradoxos (contrary to expectation)
  • (01:09)

4. Etymological Journey

• Latin carried the word as “paradox” before adoption into English in the 1500s.
• Paradox became a way to describe situations, statements, or people that challenge expectations.
• (01:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the apparent contradiction at the heart of paradox:
  • “Something, such as a situation, that is made up of two opposite things and that seems impossible but is actually true or possible.” (00:12)
• Connecting paradox to literature and the real world:
  • “How then, can a serious lady be anything other than a very peculiar and odd creature, which the women in this book certainly are?” (00:43)
• On the utility of paradoxes in thinking:
  • “The ancient Greeks were well aware that a paradox—the saying less is more, for example—can take us outside our usual way of thinking.” (01:09)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 — Introduction of the Word of the Day
• 00:11 — Definition of “paradox”
• 00:26 — Example from Jane Bowles’ “Two Serious Ladies”
• 01:09 — Historical and philosophical perspective, Greek roots
• 01:26 — The word’s journey into English

Overall Tone & Engagement

The episode maintains Merriam-Webster’s characteristic blend of scholarly insight and accessible language. Sokolowski’s tone is clear, informative, and balanced, making etymology and abstract concepts inviting even for casual listeners.

Listen for:

• A concise definition of “paradox” with real-world and literary context
• How paradoxes help expand our thinking
• The fascinating word journey from Ancient Greek to modern English