Intelligent Words by Paulo P Sanchez Long and exotic words (like defenestration or sesquipedalian) are often more fascinating than useful. By comparison, these words can enrich conversations without sounding ridiculous. Paradigm Definition: a theory or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made, or thought about Words It Might Replace: idea, theory, concept Example: "Pessimists are bemoaning the end of U.S. human spaceflight, but optimists see the next few years as a transition to a new paradigm that will energize commercial ventures and get astronauts beyond Earth orbit for the first time since the Nixon administration." – Alan Boyle, MSNBC.com, July 13, 2011 Paradox Definition: a statement that seems to be contradictory or opposed to common sense yet is perhaps true Words It Might Replace: puzzle, surprise Example: "Withhold $800 million in military aid, let it go through, or double it – no matter what Washington does it can't