paradoxum

Forms

paradoxum n (genitive paradoxī); second declension^[1]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Ancient Greek παράδοξος (parádoxos, “contrary to expectation”).^[1] Etymonline describes the Greek noun as the neuter of this adjective, formed from παρά (pará, “contrary to”) and δόξα (dóxa, “opinion”).^[2] The DMLBS compares the Classical use of the Greek neuter plural παράδοξα (parádoxa, “things contrary to expectation”).^[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The DMLBS records it in British medieval Latin as a term of logic: John of Salisbury speaks of the surprising doctrines of the Stoics, which they call paradoxa, true but astonishing.^[3]

Semantic evolution

Beside the logical sense of a paradox, medieval glossaries used the plural paradoxa for marvels, glossing it with admirabilia and miracula, and the word could also serve as an adjective meaning wondrous.^[3]

Through French and directly from Latin it gave the English word paradox, first recorded in the 1530s for a statement contrary to common belief.^[2] Its descendants include French paradoxe, Italian paradosso and Spanish paradoja.^[1]

Timeline

• 1530s – English borrows it, through French and directly, as paradox.^[2]

Meanings

Noun

1. (logic) A paradox, a statement that seems absurd or contrary to opinion but is true.^[3][1]
2. (Medieval Latin) A marvel, miracle.^[3]

Related words

• English paradox

Usage notes

In medieval texts the word was also used as an adjective, paradoxus, meaning marvellous or wondrous.^[3]

References

1. ^ a b c d e f Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ a b c d e f Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press