What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ironically
Example
Ironically, the fire station burned down. [ironically: adverb]
Example
He claimed to be an expert on healthy eating, but ironically, he was overweight. [ironically: adverb]
paradoxically
Example
Paradoxically, the more we learn, the less we know. [paradoxically: adverb]
Example
The paradoxical nature of his argument made it difficult to refute. [paradoxical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ironically is more commonly used than paradoxically in everyday language. Ironically is often used in casual conversation and media, while paradoxically is more commonly used in academic or philosophical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ironically and paradoxically?
Paradoxically is generally considered more formal than ironically. While ironically can be used in both formal and informal contexts, paradoxically is more commonly used in academic or philosophical writing.
