Enigma vs. Paradox — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
Enigma involves something mysterious and difficult to understand, often with missing information; paradox consists of contradictory yet interrelated elements that defy intuition but can offer deeper truths.
Difference Between Enigma and Paradox
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An enigma typically refers to a person, situation, or statement that is mysterious and puzzling due to a lack of understanding or information. Whereas a paradox presents a logical dilemma that contradicts itself yet often holds a truth that challenges conventional wisdom.
Enigmas often arise from obscurity or complexity, compelling the observer to uncover hidden meanings or missing data. On the other hand, paradoxes stem from seemingly absurd or self-contradictory propositions that, upon further scrutiny, reveal a deeper coherence or unexpected insight.
While enigmas are primarily about the challenge of penetration and comprehension, paradoxes invite reflection on the rules of logic and the limits of understanding.
Enigmas can sometimes be solved or clarified through additional information or insight, whereas paradoxes typically remain inherently unsolvable, serving instead to illustrate fundamental conflicts within concepts or beliefs.
In literature and rhetoric, enigmas often enhance the mystery and depth of characters and plots, whereas paradoxes are used to provoke thought, highlight conflicts, or explore complex themes through their inherent contradictions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A puzzle or mystery that is hard to explain or understand.
A statement or proposition that, despite sound reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory.
Nature
Often involves lack of information.
Involves contradictions that defy intuitive reasoning.
Resolution
May be solvable with more information or insight.
Generally remains unresolved to highlight logical or philosophical issues.
Usage in Speech
Used to describe complex mysteries or riddles.
Often used to describe situations or statements that challenge accepted norms.
Effect on Audience
Engages by invoking curiosity and the challenge of discovery.
Engages by stimulating deep thought and reflection on existing beliefs.
Compare with Definitions
Enigma
A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
The reclusive poet remained an enigma to the literary world.
Paradox
A situation in which contradictory elements coexist.
The paradox of a quiet hurricane season in a year of record temperatures was unexpected.
Enigma
A mysterious or ambiguous character.
He was an enigma, rarely sharing his thoughts or feelings.
Paradox
An argument that seemingly defeats its own objective.
His argument that he was too inexperienced to lead was a paradox, as it showcased his self-awareness.
Enigma
A puzzling occurrence or situation.
Everyone found her sudden disappearance to be a troubling enigma.
Paradox
A statement that, despite sound reasoning, leads to a conclusion that seems absurd.
The paradox of thrift posits that if everyone saves more during a recession, economic recovery could slow.
Enigma
A cipher or riddle.
The ancient manuscript was written in an enigma that baffled cryptographers.
Paradox
A statement that contradicts itself but might be true.
The paradox that standing is more tiring than walking puzzled them.
Enigma
Something hard to understand or explain.
The enigma of the town's ancient history fascinated the archaeologists.
Paradox
A problem that defies intuitive solutions.
Her success is a paradox, given her lack of experience.
Enigma
One that is puzzling, ambiguous, or inexplicable.
Paradox
A person, thing, or situation that exhibits inexplicable or contradictory aspects
"The silence of midnight, to speak truly, though apparently a paradox, rung in my ears" (Mary Shelley).
Enigma
A perplexing speech or text; a riddle.
Paradox
A paradox is a logically self-contradictory statement or a statement that runs contrary to one's expectation. It is a statement that, despite apparently valid reasoning from true premises, leads to a seemingly self-contradictory or a logically unacceptable conclusion.
Enigma
Something or someone puzzling, mysterious or inexplicable.
Paradox
A seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated may prove to be well founded or true
The uncertainty principle leads to all sorts of paradoxes, like the particles being in two places at once
Enigma
A riddle, or a difficult problem.
Paradox
A statement that seems to contradict itself but may nonetheless be true
The paradox that standing is more tiring than walking.
Enigma
Riddles and puzzles, collectively.
Paradox
A statement that is self-contradictory or logically untenable, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises.
Enigma
Mysteriousness; obscurity; lack of clarity.
Paradox
An apparently self-contradictory statement, which can only be true if it is false, and vice versa.
"This sentence is false" is a paradox.
Enigma
A style of literature characterized by obscurity and hints of transcendental meaning.
Paradox
A counterintuitive conclusion or outcome.
It is an interesting paradox that drinking a lot of water can often make you feel thirsty.
Enigma
A protein with three LIM domains (a conserved cysteine- and histidine-rich structure of two adjacent zinc fingers) at the C terminus that regulates protein phosphorylation.
Paradox
A claim that two apparently contradictory ideas are true.
Not having a fashion is a fashion; that's a paradox.
Enigma
The Talaud kingfisher, Todiramphus enigma.
Paradox
A thing involving contradictory yet interrelated elements that exist simultaneously and persist over time.
Enigma
A species of grasshopper, Oedaleonotus enigma.
Paradox
A person or thing having contradictory properties.
He is a paradox; you would not expect him in that political party.
Enigma
A rare species of moth, Heliothis enigma.
Paradox
An unanswerable question or difficult puzzle, particularly one which leads to a deeper truth.
Enigma
A dark, obscure, or inexplicable saying; a riddle; a statement, the hidden meaning of which is to be discovered or guessed.
A custom was among the ancients of proposing an enigma at festivals.
Paradox
(obsolete) A statement which is difficult to believe, or which goes against general belief.
Enigma
An action, mode of action, or thing, which cannot be satisfactorily explained; a puzzle; as, his conduct is an enigma.
Paradox
(uncountable) The use of counterintuitive or contradictory statements (paradoxes) in speech or writing.
Enigma
Something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained;
How it got out is a mystery
It remains one of nature's secrets
Paradox
A state in which one is logically compelled to contradict oneself.
Enigma
A difficult problem
Paradox
The practice of giving instructions that are opposed to the therapist's actual intent, with the intention that the client will disobey or be unable to obey.
Paradox
A tenet or proposition contrary to received opinion; an assertion or sentiment seemingly contradictory, or opposed to common sense; that which in appearance or terms is absurd, but yet may be true in fact.
A gloss there is to color that paradox, and make it appear in show not to be altogether unreasonable.
This was sometime a paradox, but now the time gives it proof.
Paradox
(logic) a self-contradiction;
`I always lie' is a paradox because if it is true it must be false
Common Curiosities
Can an enigma be a paradox?
Yes, an enigma can sometimes present a paradox if its solution or lack of clarity involves contradictory elements.
How does an enigma differ from a paradox?
An enigma is a mystery that may be solved with more information, whereas a paradox is an inherent contradiction that challenges understanding.
Why are enigmas compelling in stories?
Enigmas engage readers by adding layers of mystery and complexity to the narrative, prompting them to uncover hidden truths.
Can a paradox be solved?
Typically, paradoxes are not solved in the traditional sense but are explored to understand deeper philosophical truths.
What is an example of an enigma in literature?
The character of Gatsby in "The Great Gatsby" is an enigma, with his past and motives shrouded in mystery.
What is a paradox?
A paradox is a statement or situation that contains contradictory or conflicting elements which, despite logic, might be true.
How do paradoxes affect our thinking?
Paradoxes challenge our understanding and push us to think more critically about our assumptions and logic.
What makes a statement a paradox?
A statement becomes a paradox when it defies conventional logic through its contradictory nature, yet holds some truth.
What is an enigma?
An enigma is something or someone that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
What is an example of a paradox in everyday life?
Saying "I always lie" is a paradox because if it's true, then the statement must be false.
Can enigmas be factual?
Enigmas can be based on factual, albeit obscure or incomplete, information, making them intriguing yet real.
How do enigmas and paradoxes enrich language?
They enrich language by introducing complexity and depth, enhancing literary and conversational expressions through their intriguing nature.
How do enigmas and paradoxes differ in their use in rhetoric?
Enigmas are used to evoke curiosity and engage through mystery, whereas paradoxes are used to provoke thought and question logic.
Is a riddle an enigma?
Yes, a riddle can be considered an enigma as it is a puzzle to be solved.
What role do paradoxes play in science?
Paradoxes in science often indicate anomalies that challenge existing theories and may lead to new scientific insights.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
