Roget Failed, but Literoticans Won't

[EdwardMidweston]

I’m writing a story that cries out for a word that describes issues which seem to be paradoxes, but which actually have simple solutions. (My thesaurus crapped out on this one, and so did my memory). Does anyone happen to know this word that’s rattling around in the back of my brain but refusing to snap into focus?

 

[mynameisben]

It's not occurring to me either, unless I consider hyphenated words.

Have you tried using a Reverse Dictionary? They've worked for me in the past, many times.

 

[oggbashan]

The definition of paradox includes things that seem nonsensical but actually aren't and things that do have simple solutions despite appearing complex.

'Apparent paradox' might be what you are looking for.

 

[mynameisben]

Unless you're writing poetry, there's no reason you can't use two or more words to express your idea where precision is paramount. Tell your story to stop its sniveling.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

It's not occurring to me either, unless I consider hyphenated words.
Have you tried using a Reverse Dictionary? They've worked for me in the past, many times.

Unless you're writing poetry, there's no reason you can't use two or more words to express your idea where precision is paramount. Tell your story to stop its sniveling.



Unfortunately, I want to use it as a title, which begs to be shortand snappy. Multiple words or entire phrases would be OK in the text, but seem out of place as a title,

"Apparent parodox" is right on the nose, but it would be a "tell" that prematurely reveals an O'Henry ending, so the story evaporates. The word I'm trying to remember is real, so it plays fair with the reader, but it's just obscure enough not to destroy the unexpected denouement.

My reverse dictionary is, unfortunately, a little paperback that proved to be of no help. I'll probably head to the library and check the better volumes. Alternately. I could wait until Monday and ask some of the logic profs. at the university where I work. The word I'm seeking comes fromtheir field, so they should know it.

 

[mynameisben]

Well, if you tell us what your working title is with "apparent paradox" included, then the word you're looking for might be more readily apparent to one of us.

There's a slew of free reverse dictionaries online. Just google for them.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

Well, if you tell us what your working title is with "apparent paradox" included, then the word you're looking for might be more readily apparent to one of us.

There's a slew of free reverse dictionaries online. Just google for them.

I've been mining the reverse dictionaries online but they're much stronger on everyday English than the slightly arcane. What I want may well be there, but I haven't found it yet.

Unfortunately. I'm still "writing" the story in my mind so I have nothing concrete as yet, noteven a working title.

Basically, the idea is that a college professor has created a short apparent paradox that is used as a "gatekeeper" for students who want to enroll in logic classes. His mini-test works so well that it becomes something of a standard, but his real motivation for creating the paradox is really something quite different than it seems.

 

[Brunne]

I’m writing a story that cries out for a word that describes issues which seem to be paradoxes, but which actually have simple solutions. (My thesaurus crapped out on this one, and so did my memory). Does anyone happen to know this word that’s rattling around in the back of my brain but refusing to snap into focus?

The only words that come to mind are 'fallacy' (if logic-based), 'conundrum' or perhaps 'enigma'?

I know these might not be an exact word for what you describe above, but might make for an interesting title?

 

[Stella_Omega]

or simply "test" since that's why he asks it?

 

[EdwardMidweston]

The only words that come to mind are 'fallacy' (if logic-based), 'conundrum' or perhaps 'enigma'?

I know these might not be an exact word for what you describe above, but might make for an interesting title?

Especially if I write in some subplot that leads readers one way and then abruptly goes in another direction. I'll keep them in mind. Thanks.

 

[soflabbwlvr]

What you have described is a riddle.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

THE elusive word word hit me out of the blue. It's paraprosdokian--as used by logicians if not by linguists.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Handley_Page]

I hope this entry in the Oxford might help:-


paradox /pardks/ n. & a. M16. [Late L paradoxum, -doxon use as n. of neut. of paradoxus f. Gk paradoxos, f. as PARA-1 + doxa opinion.] A n.
1 A statement or tenet contrary to received opinion or belief, esp. one that is incredible, absurd, or fantastic. Long rare. M16.
2
a A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated or explained may prove to be well-founded or true. M16.
b A proposition or statement that is actually self-contradictory, absurd, or false. L16.
c Logic. In full logical paradox. A statement or proposition which, despite sound reasoning from an acceptable premiss, leads to a conclusion that is against sense, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory. E20.

3 Paradoxical character, condition, or quality. L16.
4 transf. A phenomenon that exhibits some contradiction or conflict with preconceived notions of what is reasonable or possible; a person of perplexingly inconsistent life or behaviour. E17.
B adj. Paradoxical. E-M17.
paradoxal a. paradoxical L16-L19.

And the Thesaurus gives:-
paradox noun
a paradox: that there is so much poverty in such a rich country
contradiction, self-contradiction, inconsistency, incongruity, anomaly, enigma, puzzle, absurdity, oxymoron


Hope this helps

---------------------------------------------------------
Excerpted from Oxford Talking Dictionary
Copyright © 1998 The Learning Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

[Brunne]

THE elusive word word hit me out of the blue. It's paraprosdokian.

Thanks everyone!

[slaps forehead]

Of course! 'Paraprosdokian'...that was right on the tip of my tongue...

 

[Handley_Page]

Well, that's it guys 'n' gals; we should'a thunk it!

 

[EdwardMidweston]

[slaps forehead]

Of course! 'Paraprosdokian'...that was right on the tip of my tongue...

Just a bit obscure, of course, but that's perfect to play fair with thereader while simultaneously avoiding a spoiler ot a tell.







Thanks, Handley. BTW, I really like your stories, especially "Incident at Cemetery Junction."

 

[mynameisben]

Gordian knot might work, has a wider audience for understanding, and does not imply a solution or an O Henrian twist is readily at hand. Gordian knot is admittedly two words, but it applies to any type of difficult puzzle that has an elegant solution to those who think outside the box. A paraprosdokian, by contrast, is specifically tied to clever figures of speech.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Could it be a conundrum?

And I am astonished to say that I have never run across 'paraprosdokian" in my entire life.

 

[_Lynn_]

Could it be a conundrum?

And I am astonished to say that I have never run across 'paraprosdokian" in my entire life.

Me either.

 

[TxRad]

Me either.

I seem to recall seeing it in an old sci-fi story from a very long time ago.

 

[_Lynn_]

I seem to recall seeing it in an old sci-fi story from a very long time ago.

Oh. I should read sci-fi then.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

It's not the most widely used word in the lexicon. I guess that knowing it is the sort of penalty I pay for working with so many academics.

And to be honest, I suspect I may hook a few readers who simply wonder whatinhell it is.

 

[_Lynn_]

It's not the most widely used word in the lexicon. I guess that knowing it is the sort of penalty I pay for working with so many academics.

And to be honest, I suspect I may hook a few readers who simply wonder whatinhell it is.

Or lose readers who don't want to take the time to look it up and become distracted from it.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

Or lose readers who don't want to take the time to look it up and become distracted from it.

Yep, shooting craps.

 

[Stella_Omega]

It's not the most widely used word in the lexicon. I guess that knowing it is the sort of penalty I pay for working with so many academics.

Knowing it isn't the penalty-- feeling compelled to use it-- that's where the problem lies.

And to be honest, I suspect I may hook a few readers who simply wonder whatinhell it is.

Myself, for instance.