Choose the most closely related word for ‘Paradox’

Answer: Enigma is the most closely related word to 'Paradox'.

Definition of paradox: A paradox is a statement or situation that appears contradictory or absurd but may reveal a deeper truth or be difficult to resolve; it is often puzzling or mysterious.

Definition of enigma: An enigma is a puzzle or something mysterious and hard to understand. Because both terms convey a sense of puzzlement or mystery, enigma closely matches the meaning of paradox.

Why the other choices are not correct:

• Certitude — means certainty or confidence and is generally opposite to the uncertainty or puzzling nature of a paradox.

• Explanation — refers to making something clear; a paradox is the puzzling subject that may require explanation, so the words are not synonymous.

• Derivative — relates to something derived or, in math, a rate of change; it does not convey the idea of a puzzle or mystery.

Therefore, Enigma is the best choice because it captures the puzzling, mysterious quality that 'Paradox' expresses.