paradoxically

UK: ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkli | US: ˌpærəˈdɑːksɪkli

Definition
  1. adv. in a seemingly contradictory or absurd yet possibly true manner

  2. adv. in a way that defies common expectations or logic

Structure
para <contrary>dox <opinion>ical <adjective suffix>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "paradoxically" stems from the Greek roots "para-" (contrary to) and "doxa" (opinion), forming "paradox" (a statement that contradicts itself yet may be true). The suffix "-ical" turns it into an adjective, and "-ly" converts it into an adverb. The term reflects the tension between opposing ideas, a concept central to rhetoric and philosophy since antiquity.

Examples
  1. Paradoxically, the stricter the rules, the more people try to break them.

  2. He was paradoxically both the most generous and the most frugal person I knew.

  3. The medicine worked paradoxically, calming the patient by initially increasing their anxiety.

  4. Paradoxically, her silence spoke louder than any words could.

  5. The policy was paradoxically praised and criticized for the same reasons.