Which term describes a statement that seems self-contradictory but is true?

Which term describes a statement that seems self-contradictory but is true?

• A. Paradox
• B. Parody
• C. Personification
• D. Plot

Answer: (A)

A paradox is a statement or situation that seems self-contradictory or impossible at first glance, yet when examined reveals a truth or insight. This clash between apparent contradiction and underlying meaning invites careful thinking and often highlights complexity in ideas. Think of phrases like “less is more” or the classic “this statement is false”—they push you to see beyond surface conflict to a deeper point. Other terms describe different things: parody imitates something for humorous or critical effect; personification gives human qualities to nonhuman things; plot is the sequence of events in a story. So the term that fits a statement that seems self-contradictory but is true is paradox.

A paradox is a statement or situation that seems self-contradictory or impossible at first glance, yet when examined reveals a truth or insight. This clash between apparent contradiction and underlying meaning invites careful thinking and often highlights complexity in ideas. Think of phrases like “less is more” or the classic “this statement is false”—they push you to see beyond surface conflict to a deeper point. Other terms describe different things: parody imitates something for humorous or critical effect; personification gives human qualities to nonhuman things; plot is the sequence of events in a story. So the term that fits a statement that seems self-contradictory but is true is paradox.