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C1 adjective 10 min de lectura

paradossale

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos paradossale en 30 segundos

Explicación paradossale in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 'paradossale' yet. It is a very long and complex word. However, you can think of it as a way to say 'very, very strange' or 'it doesn't make sense'. Imagine you have a umbrella but it only opens when it is sunny and closes when it rains. That is 'paradossale'. For now, just remember it looks like the English word 'paradoxical'. If you see it in a book, just think: 'This situation is weird and doesn't follow the rules'. You won't be expected to say it in your first Italian lessons, but knowing it exists helps you recognize it later. Focus on the fact that it ends in 'e', so it works for both boys and girls (masculine and feminine).

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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe more complex feelings and situations. 'Paradossale' is still an advanced word, but you might hear it on the news or in movies. It describes a situation where the result is the opposite of what you want. For example, if you go to the gym to get energy, but you feel more tired, that is a bit 'paradossale'. You can use it with the verb 'essere' (to be). 'Questa cosa è paradossale'. Remember the plural is 'paradossali'. Don't worry about using it perfectly; just use it when something feels like a 'weird contradiction'. It's a great word to impress your teacher if you use it to describe a strange rule in the Italian language!

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As a B1 learner, you are moving towards intermediate fluency. 'Paradossale' becomes useful when you want to express irony or frustration with logic. You can start using it in sentences like 'È paradossale che...' (It's paradoxical that...). At this level, you should try to pair it with the subjunctive mood, although it's okay if you make mistakes. For instance, 'È paradossale che piova nel deserto' (It is paradoxical that it rains in the desert). You are beginning to see that this word is more formal than 'strano' (strange). Use it when you are talking about social issues or complex problems in a conversation. It shows you are thinking about the 'why' behind a situation.

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At the B2 level, you should be using 'paradossale' with confidence in both speaking and writing. You understand that it isn't just 'strange', but specifically 'self-contradictory'. You can use it to critique an argument or a film plot. 'La trama del film è paradossale' (The film's plot is paradoxical). You should also be familiar with the adverb 'paradossalmente' (paradoxically), which is great for starting sentences to show a contrast. 'Paradossalmente, non avevo fame finché non ho visto il cibo'. You are now expected to use the subjunctive correctly after 'È paradossale che...'. This word helps you sound more like a native speaker who can handle abstract concepts and intellectual debate.

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At the C1 level, 'paradossale' is a core part of your vocabulary. You use it to describe philosophical, scientific, and political nuances. You understand the difference between 'paradossale', 'assurdo', and 'contraddittorio'. You can use the word to describe the 'paradossale' nature of human behavior or historical events. You use it in formal essays to highlight systemic failures or logical fallacies. You are also aware of its placement in a sentence to provide rhetorical emphasis. You can handle expressions like 'al limite del paradossale' or 'un esito paradossale'. Your use of the word reflects a deep understanding of Italian culture, where the 'paradossale' is often a part of daily reality and bureaucratic life.

At the C2 level, you use 'paradossale' with the same ease and precision as a highly educated native speaker. You can engage in complex discussions about the 'paradossale' in literature (like Pirandello or Calvino) or in legal and philosophical frameworks. You use the word to navigate the finest shades of meaning, often employing it to point out the inherent 'paradossi' of existence. You might use it in a satirical way or to build a sophisticated rhetorical argument. You are fully comfortable with all its derivatives and related terms. For you, 'paradossale' is not just a vocabulary word, but a lens through which you can analyze and describe the complexities of the world in fluent, nuanced Italian.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

paradossale en 30 segundos

An adjective describing self-contradictory or absurd situations that often reveal a deeper, unexpected truth.
Used in formal and intellectual contexts to highlight logical inconsistencies or ironic societal trends.
Follows standard Italian adjective agreement rules: -e for singular (m/f) and -i for plural (m/f).
Commonly used in the expression 'È paradossale che...' followed by the subjunctive mood to evaluate a situation.

The Italian adjective paradossale is a sophisticated term used to describe situations, statements, or events that appear to be self-contradictory, absurd, or contrary to common sense, yet which may, upon closer inspection, reveal a deeper truth or a complex reality. Rooted in the Greek 'paradoxos' (beyond belief), it is an essential tool for C1-level speakers to articulate nuance in logic, politics, and social dynamics. In everyday Italian conversation, it often highlights the irony of life where the outcome is the exact opposite of what was intended or expected.

Logical Contradiction: When a premise leads to a conclusion that negates the premise itself. For example, the statement 'I am lying' is a classic instance of a situation that is paradossale.
Social Irony: Used to describe societal trends where the solution creates more of the problem it was meant to solve, such as building more roads leading to more traffic congestion.
Emotional Complexity: Describing feelings that shouldn't coexist but do, like feeling lonely in a crowded room or finding joy in a moment of profound sadness.

È una situazione paradossale: più cerco di risparmiare tempo usando la tecnologia, più tempo perdo a configurare i dispositivi.

— A common modern frustration described as paradoxical.

In a formal or academic context, paradossale is used to critique theories or policies. If a law intended to protect workers actually makes it harder for them to find jobs, an Italian intellectual would label this result as 'un esito paradossale'. It implies a level of intellectual observation that goes beyond merely calling something 'strange' (strano) or 'weird' (buffo). It suggests a structural or logical flaw that invites reflection.

Il silenzio assordante in quella piazza vuota era quasi paradossale.

Sembra paradossale, ma per vincere a volte bisogna saper perdere.

Culturally, Italians use this word to navigate the complexities of their own bureaucracy and history. The 'Bel Paese' is often described through the lens of the 'paradossale'—a country where everything is difficult but nothing is impossible. It captures the essence of living in a place where ancient traditions and modern chaos coexist in a way that defies simple explanation.

Scientific Context: In physics or mathematics, an observation that contradicts established theory is 'un dato paradossale'.
Literary Use: Authors use 'paradossale' to describe characters who act against their own interests or exhibit dual natures.

Trovo paradossale che tu mi chieda aiuto proprio ora dopo avermi ignorato per mesi.

Using paradossale correctly requires an understanding of its placement and its relationship with the noun it modifies. As a four-syllable adjective, it carries significant weight and is usually placed after the noun for emphasis, which is standard in Italian for descriptive or multi-syllabic adjectives. However, it can also appear before the noun in more poetic or rhetorical contexts to emphasize the speaker's surprise or indignation.

Standard Placement: 'Una scelta paradossale' (A paradoxical choice). This is the most common way to use the word, focusing on the quality of the choice itself.
Predicative Use: 'Questa situazione è paradossale' (This situation is paradoxical). Here, the adjective follows a linking verb like 'essere' or 'sembrare'.
Impersonal Expressions: 'È paradossale che...' (It is paradoxical that...). This structure is extremely common and usually triggers the subjunctive mood in the dependent clause.

È paradossale che in un'era di iper-connessione ci si senta così soli.

— Note the use of the subjunctive 'si senta' after the impersonal expression.

When describing plural subjects, the ending changes from -e to -i, regardless of gender. For example, 'I risultati sono paradossali' (The results are paradoxical) and 'Le conclusioni sono paradossali' (The conclusions are paradoxical). This simplicity in agreement makes it a versatile word for learners transitioning to higher levels of fluency.

Abbiamo assistito a una serie di eventi paradossali durante la conferenza.

In argumentative writing, paradossale acts as a powerful transition or evaluative word. By labeling an opponent's argument as 'paradossale', a writer suggests it lacks internal logic. Conversely, by describing a discovery as 'paradossale', a scientist highlights its groundbreaking and counter-intuitive nature. It is a word that demands the listener to think deeper.

La sua tesi si basa su un presupposto paradossale che invalida l'intera ricerca.

With Adverbs: It is often modified by adverbs like 'veramente' (truly), 'quasi' (almost), or 'apparentemente' (apparently). Example: 'Un effetto apparentemente paradossale'.
In Questions: 'Non trovi che tutto questo sia paradossale?' (Don't you find all this paradoxical?).

Sarebbe paradossale smettere di studiare proprio ora che i risultati iniziano a vedersi.

You will encounter paradossale in a variety of high-level Italian environments, ranging from television news analysis to academic lectures and sophisticated dinner table debates. It is a favorite of journalists and political commentators who use it to highlight the inconsistencies in government policy or public behavior. If you listen to a podcast like 'Radio24' or read 'Il Corriere della Sera', the word will appear frequently in discussions about economics and social phenomena.

Il giornalista ha definito paradossale il fatto che il prezzo del petrolio scenda mentre i costi dei trasporti aumentano.

In the world of Italian cinema and literature, the 'paradossale' is a recurring theme. Think of the works of Luigi Pirandello, where characters often find themselves in situations that are logically sound but humanly paradossali. Intellectuals use the word to describe the 'human condition'—the inherent contradictions of being alive. It’s also common in legal settings (tribunals) when a lawyer argues that a specific application of a law leads to a result that the law itself was meant to prevent.

Evening News (TG1/TG5): Commonly used to describe international relations or economic crises where traditional logic fails to apply.
University Lectures: Used in philosophy, sociology, and physics to describe theorems or observations that challenge conventional wisdom.

A lezione abbiamo discusso dell'aspetto paradossale della libertà individuale nella società moderna.

In daily life, an Italian might use it to complain about bureaucracy. 'È paradossale che debba pagare una marca da bollo per dimostrare che ho già pagato le tasse!' (It's paradoxical that I have to pay for a revenue stamp to prove I've already paid my taxes!). This usage bridges the gap between high-level vocabulary and everyday frustration. It shows that the speaker isn't just angry, but that they find the system's logic fundamentally broken.

Siamo arrivati a un punto paradossale dove la finzione sembra più reale della realtà stessa.

Finally, in sports commentary, especially football (calcio), a game might be called 'paradossale' if a team dominates the entire match with 30 shots on goal but loses 1-0 on a single lucky counter-attack by the opponent. In this context, it signifies a result that defies the statistical and logical flow of the game.

While paradossale is a cognate of 'paradoxical', English speakers often make subtle errors when integrating it into Italian. The most frequent mistake is related to gender and number agreement. Since it ends in -e, some learners mistakenly try to change it to -a for feminine nouns (e.g., *una situazione paradossala*), which is incorrect. It remains paradossale for both 'il problema' and 'la situazione'.

Agreement Error: Incorrect: 'Una storia paradossala'. Correct: 'Una storia paradossale'.
Confusing with 'Assurdo': While they are similar, 'assurdo' is broader. Using 'paradossale' for something that is simply silly or stupid is a 'mis-register' error. Save 'paradossale' for things with a logical conflict.
Preposition Choice: Learners often struggle with what follows. It is 'paradossale che' + subjunctive, or 'paradossale per' + person. Do not use 'paradossale di' followed by a clause.

Errore: È paradossale di dire questo. Corretto: È paradossale dire questo (or 'che tu dica questo').

Another common mistake is the pronunciation of the double 'ss'. English speakers tend to pronounce 'paradoxical' with a 'ks' sound (x). In Italian, 'paradossale' has a pure, sharp 's' sound. Pronouncing it like 'paradoksale' will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker. Ensure the 'o' is open and the 'ss' is crisp.

Paradossalmente, più informazioni abbiamo, meno riusciamo a decidere.

Finally, avoid overusing the word. In C1 Italian, precision is key. If a situation is just 'strange', use 'strano'. If it's 'unbelievable', use 'incredibile'. Only use 'paradossale' when there is a genuine element of 'paradosso'—a contradiction that challenges the mind. Overuse can make your speech sound overly dramatic or pseudo-intellectual.

The 'Che' Rule: When using 'È paradossale che...', always check if you need the subjunctive. If you are expressing an opinion or evaluation (which you usually are with this word), the subjunctive is mandatory.

Non è paradossale che lui non sia qui? (Not 'è' here).

To truly master C1 Italian, you need to know when to use paradossale and when to opt for a synonym that might fit the context better. Italian is a language of nuances, and choosing the right word can change the tone of your entire sentence. Below are the most common alternatives and how they differ from 'paradossale'.

Assurdo vs. Paradossale: Assurdo suggests something is completely without sense or logic. Paradossale suggests a logic that contradicts itself. If a cat barks, it's 'assurdo'. If a peace treaty leads to a world war, it's 'paradossale'.
Contraddittorio vs. Paradossale: Contraddittorio refers to two things that cannot both be true at the same time. It's often used for testimony or data. Paradossale is the quality of the situation arising from that contradiction.
Ironico vs. Paradossale: Ironico is usually about intent or a twist of fate that is humorous. Paradossale is more clinical and philosophical. You laugh at an 'ironic' event; you reflect on a 'paradoxical' one.

La situazione è diventata grottesca più che paradossale.

— 'Grottesco' is another alternative, meaning bizarre or distorted.

Other words to consider include incongruo (incongruous), which is used when something doesn't fit its surroundings, and stravagante (extravagant/quirky), which describes people or ideas that are unusual but not necessarily contradictory. In scientific writing, you might see antinomico, which is a very formal term for things that are mutually exclusive.

C'è una discrepanza incongrua tra le sue parole e le sue azioni.

When you want to describe something that is almost a paradox but not quite, you can use the phrase 'al limite del paradossale' (on the verge of the paradoxical). This is a great way to soften the claim while still using the high-level term. It shows you are considering the boundaries of logic.

Il suo comportamento è al limite del paradossale.

In summary, while 'paradossale' is your go-to word for intellectual contradictions, having these alternatives allows you to paint a more precise picture of the reality you are describing. Whether it's the 'nonsense' of 'assurdo' or the 'clash' of 'contraddittorio', each word has its place in a C1 speaker's toolkit.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word entered the Italian language in the 16th century, primarily through philosophical and scientific texts. It was used to describe astronomical observations that didn't fit the Ptolemaic system.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /pa.ra.dos.ˈsa.le/

US /ˌpærəˈdɒksəl/

The primary stress is on the penultimate (second to last) syllable: pa-ra-dos-SÀ-le.

Rima con

natale banale fatale reale sociale mentale canale ideale

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'ss' like a single 'z' (voiced). It should be unvoiced and sharp.
Using the English 'ks' sound (as in 'paradox').
Failing to roll the 'r'.
Putting the stress on the last syllable.
Muffling the final 'e' (it should be a clear 'eh' sound).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate, but requires context to understand the nuance.

Escritura 7/5

Requires knowledge of the subjunctive mood and correct adjective endings.

Expresión oral 8/5

The pronunciation of the double 's' and the rolled 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 6/5

Usually spoken clearly in formal contexts, but can be lost in fast speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

strano logico idea fatto situazione

Aprende después

contraddittorio antinomico ironia sarcasmo ambiguità

Avanzado

ossimoro sillogismo dialettica ontologia epistemologia

Gramática que debes saber

Adjectives ending in -e

Un libro interessante / Una storia interessante (Un caso paradossale / Una scelta paradossale).

The Subjunctive Mood after Evaluative Expressions

È incredibile che tu vada / È paradossale che tu vada.

Pluralization of -e adjectives

I libri interessanti / Le storie interessanti (I casi paradossali / Le scelte paradossali).

Adverb formation with -mente

Veloce -> Velocemente (Paradossale -> Paradossalmente).

Position of long adjectives

Usually follow the noun: 'Un evento paradossale'.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Questa regola è paradossale.

This rule is paradoxical.

Adjective 'paradossale' modifies the feminine noun 'regola'.

Un esempio paradossale.

A paradoxical example.

The adjective follows the noun.

È tutto paradossale.

It is all paradoxical.

Use of 'è' (is) with the adjective.

Due casi paradossali.

Two paradoxical cases.

Plural form 'paradossali' for the masculine noun 'casi'.

Un'idea paradossale.

A paradoxical idea.

Feminine singular agreement (no change in ending).

Sembra paradossale.

It seems paradoxical.

The verb 'sembrare' takes the adjective.

Situazioni paradossali.

Paradoxical situations.

Plural feminine agreement.

Non è paradossale?

Isn't it paradoxical?

Interrogative form.

È paradossale che piova sempre quando esco.

It's paradoxical that it always rains when I go out.

Introduction of the 'È paradossale che' structure.

Abbiamo trovato una soluzione paradossale.

We found a paradoxical solution.

Past tense verb 'abbiamo trovato'.

Il risultato della partita è paradossale.

The result of the match is paradoxical.

Describing a specific outcome.

Queste parole sono paradossali.

These words are paradoxical.

Plural agreement with 'parole'.

Mi sembra un fatto paradossale.

It seems like a paradoxical fact to me.

Use of indirect object 'mi'.

Non trovo niente di paradossale in questo.

I don't find anything paradoxical in this.

Negative construction 'non... niente di'.

Il suo silenzio è paradossale.

His silence is paradoxical.

Possessive 'il suo'.

È una scelta paradossale per un esperto.

It's a paradoxical choice for an expert.

Preposition 'per' (for).

È paradossale che tu non sia ancora arrivato.

It is paradoxical that you haven't arrived yet.

Subjunctive 'sia' after 'È paradossale che'.

Paradossalmente, ho più lavoro quando sono in vacanza.

Paradoxically, I have more work when I am on vacation.

Use of the adverb 'paradossalmente'.

Trovo paradossale il modo in cui gestiscono l'ufficio.

I find the way they manage the office paradoxical.

Verb 'trovare' (to find) + adjective.

Siamo in una situazione paradossale da mesi.

We have been in a paradoxical situation for months.

Preposition 'da' for ongoing duration.

Non credi che sia un'affermazione paradossale?

Don't you think it's a paradoxical statement?

Subjunctive 'sia' after 'credi che'.

Il comportamento di Marco è spesso paradossale.

Marco's behavior is often paradoxical.

Adverb 'spesso' (often) modifying the verb phrase.

Ci sono molti aspetti paradossali in questa storia.

There are many paradoxical aspects in this story.

Plural masculine agreement.

È paradossale voler risparmiare spendendo così tanto.

It's paradoxical to want to save by spending so much.

Infinitive 'voler' after the expression.

È paradossale che la tecnologia ci allontani invece di unirci.

It is paradoxical that technology distances us instead of uniting us.

Complex sentence with 'invece di'.

Hanno adottato una strategia paradossale per vincere le elezioni.

They adopted a paradoxical strategy to win the elections.

Past participle 'adottato'.

Paradossalmente, il fallimento lo ha reso più forte.

Paradoxically, the failure made him stronger.

Adverbial start for rhetorical effect.

La tesi del professore sembrava inizialmente paradossale.

The professor's thesis initially seemed paradoxical.

Adverb 'inizialmente' (initially).

Nonostante le prove, la sua difesa rimane paradossale.

Despite the evidence, his defense remains paradoxical.

Conjunction 'nonostante' (despite).

È paradossale che proprio lui parli di onestà.

It is paradoxical that he of all people talks about honesty.

Emphatic use of 'proprio lui'.

Abbiamo assistito a un'evoluzione paradossale del mercato.

We witnessed a paradoxical evolution of the market.

Noun phrase 'un'evoluzione paradossale'.

Considero paradossale il tuo rifiuto di collaborare.

I consider your refusal to collaborate paradoxical.

Verb 'considerare' + object + adjective.

La natura paradossale del tempo è un tema ricorrente nella fisica moderna.

The paradoxical nature of time is a recurring theme in modern physics.

Abstract noun phrase usage.

È paradossale che si debba limitare la libertà per proteggerla.

It is paradoxical that one must limit freedom to protect it.

Impersonal 'si' with subjunctive 'debba'.

Il successo di quell'opera risiede proprio nel suo carattere paradossale.

The success of that work lies precisely in its paradoxical character.

Use of 'risiedere' (to lie/reside).

Paradossalmente, l'eccesso di scelta può portare all'infelicità.

Paradoxically, an excess of choice can lead to unhappiness.

Observation of a psychological phenomenon.

Siamo di fronte a un esito paradossale delle politiche economiche.

We are facing a paradoxical outcome of economic policies.

Idiomatic 'essere di fronte a'.

Trovo che la tua posizione sia intrinsecamente paradossale.

I find that your position is intrinsically paradoxical.

Adverb 'intrinsecamente' (intrinsically).

L'autore esplora le verità paradossali dell'animo umano.

The author explores the paradoxical truths of the human soul.

Plural feminine agreement.

È paradossale come la storia tenda a ripetersi nonostante gli errori passati.

It is paradoxical how history tends to repeat itself despite past mistakes.

Use of 'come' as a conjunction.

L'ontologia dell'essere si scontra spesso con realtà paradossali e insolubili.

The ontology of being often clashes with paradoxical and insoluble realities.

High-level philosophical vocabulary.

Risulta paradossale il tentativo di definire l'infinito attraverso il finito.

The attempt to define the infinite through the finite proves paradoxical.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

Egli incarna la figura paradossale del saggio ignorante.

He embodies the paradoxical figure of the ignorant sage.

Literary oxymoron usage.

Paradossalmente, la massima espressione del potere coincide spesso con la sua fragilità.

Paradoxically, the maximum expression of power often coincides with its fragility.

Sophisticated political observation.

La dialettica hegeliana si nutre di momenti paradossali per giungere alla sintesi.

Hegelian dialectics feeds on paradoxical moments to reach synthesis.

Academic context (philosophy).

È paradossale che l'unico modo per conservare certe tradizioni sia quello di tradirle.

It is paradoxical that the only way to preserve certain traditions is to betray them.

Complex comparative structure.

L'opera si chiude con un finale paradossale che ne ribalta il significato.

The work closes with a paradoxical ending that reverses its meaning.

Literary analysis.

La coesistenza di spinte opposte crea un equilibrio paradossale ma stabile.

The coexistence of opposing forces creates a paradoxical but stable equilibrium.

Technical/Scientific nuance.

Colocaciones comunes

situazione paradossale

esito paradossale

effetto paradossale

affermazione paradossale

comportamento paradossale

risultato paradossale

verità paradossale

aspetto paradossale

scelta paradossale

natura paradossale

Frases Comunes

al limite del paradossale

— On the verge of being paradoxical. Used to describe something extremely strange.

Il ritardo del treno è al limite del paradossale.

sembrare paradossale

— To seem paradoxical. A common way to introduce a contradiction.

Può sembrare paradossale, ma è la verità.

trovare paradossale

— To find something paradoxical. Expresses a personal judgment.

Trovo paradossale che nessuno abbia visto nulla.

definire paradossale

— To define as paradoxical. Often used in reporting.

Gli esperti hanno definito paradossale il crollo dei prezzi.

in modo paradossale

— In a paradoxical way. Describes the manner of an action.

Ha agito in modo paradossale durante tutta la crisi.

per quanto paradossale

— However paradoxical it may be. Used to concede a point.

Per quanto paradossale, la sua tesi è supportata dai dati.

niente di paradossale

— Nothing paradoxical. Used to dismiss a claim of contradiction.

Non vedo niente di paradossale in questa decisione.

quasi paradossale

— Almost paradoxical. Softens the description.

C'era un silenzio quasi paradossale in quella stanza.

veramente paradossale

— Truly paradoxical. Adds emphasis.

È veramente paradossale quello che mi stai dicendo.

un tocco paradossale

— A paradoxical touch. Used in artistic or culinary contexts.

Il dolce ha un tocco paradossale di sale.

Se confunde a menudo con

paradossale vs paralossale

This is not a word. Don't confuse it with 'paradossale'.

paradossale vs paradosso

'Paradosso' is the noun (the paradox), while 'paradossale' is the adjective (paradoxical).

paradossale vs paradossico

This is an archaic or incorrect form. Always use 'paradossale'.

Modismos y expresiones

"toccare il paradossale"

— To reach the height of absurdity or paradox.

Con questa scusa hai toccato il paradossale.

informal

"vivere nel paradossale"

— To live in a state of constant contradiction or confusion.

A volte sembra che viviamo nel paradossale.

neutral

"essere il colmo del paradossale"

— To be the absolute peak of being paradoxical.

Sarebbe il colmo del paradossale se perdessimo proprio ora.

informal

"sfociare nel paradossale"

— To result in or lead into a paradoxical situation.

La discussione è sfociata nel paradossale.

neutral

"un paradosso vivente"

— A living paradox (referring to a person).

Marco è un paradosso vivente: è un salutista che fuma.

informal

"cadere nel paradossale"

— To fall into a state of paradox (often used for arguments).

Attento a non cadere nel paradossale con le tue teorie.

neutral

"rasentare il paradossale"

— To border on the paradoxical.

Il suo ottimismo rasenta il paradossale.

neutral

"perdere il senso del paradossale"

— To lose the ability to see the irony or contradiction in things.

Hanno perso il senso del paradossale e prendono tutto sul serio.

neutral

"giocare sul paradossale"

— To play with or utilize paradoxical elements (often in art).

Il regista gioca molto sul paradossale in questo film.

neutral

"scivolare nel paradossale"

— To slip into a paradoxical state unintentionally.

Senza accorgersene, è scivolato nel paradossale.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

paradossale vs assurdo

Both imply something doesn't make sense.

'Assurdo' is 'without logic' (nonsense), while 'paradossale' is 'contradictory logic'.

Gridare ai pesci è assurdo. Fare una guerra per la pace è paradossale.

paradossale vs contraddittorio

Both involve clashing ideas.

'Contraddittorio' describes two things that can't both be true. 'Paradossale' describes the state of the situation itself.

Le sue prove sono contraddittorie. È paradossale che sia stato assolto.

paradossale vs ironico

Both involve unexpected outcomes.

'Ironico' is often funny or sarcastic. 'Paradossale' is serious and analytical.

È ironico che piova al mio matrimonio. È paradossale che la democrazia porti alla tirannia.

paradossale vs anomalo

Both describe something out of the ordinary.

'Anomalo' means irregular or deviating from the norm, without necessarily being contradictory.

Oggi c'è una temperatura anomala.

paradossale vs incongruo

Both mean things don't fit together.

'Incongruo' is about lack of harmony or fitness. 'Paradossale' is about a deep logical conflict.

Un cappello da clown a un funerale è incongruo.

Patrones de oraciones

Soggetto + è + paradossale.

Questo è paradossale.

È una + sostantivo + paradossale.

È una storia paradossale.

È paradossale che + congiuntivo.

È paradossale che tu sia qui.

Paradossalmente, + frase.

Paradossalmente, non piove mai quando ho l'ombrello.

Trovare + oggetto + paradossale.

Trovo paradossale il tuo modo di agire.

Un esito/risultato + paradossale.

Abbiamo ottenuto un esito paradossale.

Rasentare il paradossale.

Le sue richieste rasentano il paradossale.

Sotto un profilo paradossale.

Analizziamo la questione sotto un profilo paradossale.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

paradosso (paradox)

paradossalità (paradoxicality)

Verbos

paradossare (rarely used, to create paradoxes)

Adjetivos

paradossale (paradoxical)

Relacionado

dossologia

ortodosso

eterodosso

contraddittorio

antinomico

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in media, academia, and literature; less common in casual street slang.

Errores comunes

*Una situazione paradossala* → Una situazione paradossale
Adjectives ending in -e do not change to -a for feminine nouns.
*È paradossale che lui è qui* → È paradossale che lui sia qui
The expression 'È paradossale che' requires the subjunctive mood.
Pronouncing it as 'paradoksale' → pa-ra-dos-SÀ-le
The 'x' sound from English does not exist in the Italian word; use a sharp double 's'.
*I risultati sono paradossale* → I risultati sono paradossali
The adjective must agree in number with the plural noun.
*Un paradosso situazione* → Una situazione paradossale
You must use the adjective form 'paradossale' to modify a noun, not the noun form 'paradosso'.

Consejos

Master the Subjunctive

Always remember that 'È paradossale che' is a trigger for the subjunctive. This is one of the most common mistakes for intermediate learners. Practicing this will boost your score in writing exams.

The Double S

Don't rush the word. Say 'pa-ra-dos' and then 'sa-le'. Making that double 's' distinct is key to a native-like accent.

Use the Adverb

'Paradossalmente' is a powerful transition word. Use it in your essays to show you can handle complex logical transitions.

Avoid Overuse

Because it's a 'big' word, don't use it for everything strange. If you use it too much, it loses its impact. Save it for genuine logical conflicts.

News Context

Listen to Italian news (TG1). You will hear journalists use 'paradossale' to describe political gridlock or economic contradictions. It's a great way to hear the word in its natural habitat.

Italian Bureaucracy

If you want to complain about Italian paperwork, 'paradossale' is your best friend. It expresses the exact feeling of being stuck in a loop of contradictory rules.

Look for the Noun

When reading, if you see 'paradosso', remember it's the noun. If you see 'paradossale', it's the adjective. Knowing the difference helps in understanding sentence structure.

The Escher Staircase

Visualizing an impossible object like an Escher staircase will help you remember that 'paradossale' is about something that logically shouldn't work but exists.

Rhetorical Questions

Use 'Non è paradossale?' as a rhetorical question to end a point. It invites the listener to agree with your analysis of a strange situation.

Agreement Check

Before you finish a sentence, check the noun 'paradossale' is modifying. If it's plural, make sure you wrote 'paradossali'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Pair of Doxes' (paradox). Two dogs (doxes) that are exactly the same but one is black and one is white. It's a pair-a-dossale!

Asociación visual

Imagine a staircase that goes up and up but somehow ends where it started (an Escher staircase). This is the visual definition of paradossale.

Word Web

Logica Ironia Assurdo Contraddizione Filosofia Politica Sorpresa Mente

Desafío

Try to find one thing in your daily life today that is 'paradossale' and describe it in a sentence using the subjunctive mood.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'paradoxus', which originates from the Ancient Greek 'parádoxos' (παράδοξος). It is composed of 'pará' (beyond/against) and 'dóxa' (opinion/belief).

Significado original: Beyond belief or contrary to expectation.

Indo-European (Italic/Romance/Greek roots).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to mock serious mental health issues unless you are speaking in a clinical or strictly logical context.

In English, 'paradoxical' is often reserved for science or formal writing. In Italian, 'paradossale' is slightly more common in educated daily conversation.

Il paradosso di Zenone (Zeno's Paradox) Le opere di Pirandello (The works of Pirandello) Il paradosso del nonno (The Grandfather Paradox in time travel stories)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Politics

voto paradossale
alleanza paradossale
conseguenze paradossali
discorso paradossale

Science

teoria paradossale
fenomeno paradossale
misurazione paradossale
comportamento delle particelle paradossale

Daily Life

è paradossale che
sembra paradossale
niente di paradossale
situazione paradossale

Literature

personaggio paradossale
trama paradossale
stile paradossale
verità paradossale

Economics

crescita paradossale
mercato paradossale
investimento paradossale
risparmio paradossale

Inicios de conversación

"Trovi paradossale che le persone usino i social media per sentirsi meno sole?"

"Qual è la situazione più paradossale che ti sia mai capitata in viaggio?"

"Pensi che sia paradossale voler proteggere l'ambiente usando auto elettriche?"

"Hai mai letto un libro con un finale così paradossale da lasciarti senza parole?"

"Credi che il sistema burocratico nel tuo paese sia a volte paradossale?"

Temas para diario

Descrivi un momento della tua vita in cui hai dovuto prendere una decisione che sembrava paradossale.

Rifletti sulla frase: 'Per essere liberi, dobbiamo essere schiavi delle leggi'. È paradossale?

Scrivi di un personaggio immaginario che vive in un mondo dove tutto è paradossale.

Analizza un evento storico recente che consideri paradossale e spiega perché.

Come gestisci le situazioni paradossali nel tuo lavoro o nei tuoi studi?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is both! Adjectives in Italian that end in '-e' are the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. For example, 'un libro paradossale' and 'una storia paradossale'.

You should use it when you use the impersonal expression 'È paradossale che...'. Since you are expressing an opinion or a judgment, the verb in the following clause must be in the subjunctive. Example: 'È paradossale che lui non sappia la verità'.

'Assurdo' is more general and often means 'stupid' or 'nonsense'. 'Paradossale' is more specific; it means something is self-contradictory. Use 'paradossale' when you want to sound more intellectual or when there's a clear irony involved.

Yes, you can. If you call someone 'una persona paradossale', you mean they are full of contradictions or act in ways that don't seem to make sense, but somehow they do.

The adverb is 'paradossalmente'. It is very common to start a sentence with it to highlight a contrast. Example: 'Paradossalmente, meno dormo, più sono attivo'.

Yes, it is very common in newspapers, on TV, and in academic settings. It is a 'C1' level word, meaning it is part of the vocabulary of a fluent, educated speaker.

The plural is 'paradossali'. It is used for both masculine and feminine plural nouns. Example: 'i casi paradossali' and 'le situazioni paradossali'.

Absolutely. It is used to describe results or observations that contradict existing theories, like 'un effetto paradossale' in medicine.

Use 'paradossale che' followed by a sentence (with the subjunctive). Use 'paradossale' followed by an infinitive directly, like 'È paradossale dire questo'.

Not necessarily. While it often describes a problem or a frustration, it can also describe a fascinating or deep truth that is simply hard to believe at first.

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