Choose the correct one-word substitution for:
A statement that is seemingly self-contradictory but may be true ___.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Paradox
Explanation
The question asks for the correct one-word substitution for a statement that sounds completely contradictory or impossible on the surface, but actually reveals a deeper truth upon closer inspection.
The correct term is Paradox.
Let's look at why this fits and analyze all the choices:
Paradox is a literary and logical term for a statement or situation that defies intuition because it contains two opposing ideas, yet it makes perfect sense when you think about it deeply. For example, the famous phrase "The only constant is change" sounds like a contradiction, but it describes a fundamental truth of reality.
Allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one (like George Orwell's Animal Farm).
Irony is a situation or statement where the actual outcome or meaning is the exact opposite of what you would naturally expect (like a fire station burning down).
Satire is the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and topical issues.
Because "Paradox" is the precise term for a self-contradictory statement that holds a deeper truth, Option 1 is the correct choice.
Key Points
A classic tip for spotting a paradox on English exams is to look for phrases that pair opposites together to explain a reality, such as "Deep down, you're really shallow" or "I must be cruel only to be kind."
Do not confuse a paradox with an oxymoron; an oxymoron is simply a two-word phrase of opposing terms (like "deafening silence"), while a paradox is an entire statement or concept that unfolds into a complex truth.