'paradox' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'paradoxos,' where 'para-' meant 'beyond' and 'doxa' meant 'opinion.'

'paradoxos' transformed into the Latin word 'paradoxum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'paradox' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'contrary to expectation,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a seemingly self-contradictory statement or situation.'