Oxymorons have been used for millennia. Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! However, if you think too hard about the meaning, you'll realize that on the surface it doesn't quite make sense. Note: All bold emphasis in the following quotations is my own. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two seemingly contradictory or opposite ideas to create a certain rhetorical or poetic effect and reveal a deeper truth. Discussed by L. Coltheart in Moira Gatens, "This opened up an oxymoron too dreadful to contemplate: affordable caviar" (, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:29, Word Ways: The Journal of Recreational Linguistics, http://snltranscripts.jt.org/75/75acarlin2.phtml, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oxymoron&oldid=1140812370, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:29. Hopefully, this list of oxymora has helped you understand how this figure of speech is supposed to be used. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes. As well as playing with oxymorons, Oscar Wilde was also a master of symbolism. The word is said to be originated from the Greek words, oxy, meaning sharp, pointed and moron, moros that meant dull or foolish. The Ancient Greeks came up with this term for a rhetorical device employing contradiction by combining the word for sharp, keen (oxys) with the aforementioned mros, meaning foolish.. An oxymoron is a term in which two contradictory terms are combined. "darkness visible" (Milton), (2021, February 16). William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, A damned saint, an honorable villain! ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. You can find her byline on pieces about grammar, fun facts, the meanings of various head-scratching words and phrases, and more. Oxymoron Definitions The dictionary definition of oxymoron is:- A rhetorical figure of speech in which contradictory terms are paired, for example, alone together, current history or boneless ribs. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two seemingly contradictory or opposite ideas to create a certain rhetorical or poetic effect and reveal a deeper truth. Wills argues that use of the term "oxymoron" should remain reserved for the conscious use of contradiction to express something that is "surprisingly true". Write with Grammarly. Taken to its logical conclusion, this emphasis on the fragmentation of the body politic makes postmodern feminism an, He calls himself a "bleeding-heart conservative," and that, As the war went on, "precision bombing" became a comical, While putting those two words together is seemingly an, The riff-laden metal song may be the best-sounding Nickelback song in years and no, that is not an, For many parents, teenager communication skills is an, Affordable fine jewelry may sound like an, But the Clippers just didnt get enough Sunday, the, Consciousness without content strikes me as a contradiction, an, Once it was established that high-performance SUVs were not an, Post the Definition of oxymoron to Facebook, Share the Definition of oxymoron on Twitter. Oxymorons are not meant to be taken literally. Two involve the palindrome, two involve the oxymoron, and one involves onomatopoeia. You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. 'Simile' and 'metaphor' are just the beginning. You can use dozens of filters and search criteria to find the perfect person for your needs. Im the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxymoron. If you are looking for something seriously funny that will serve as a simply brilliant example of an oxymoron, the following article provides you with a compiled oxymoron list. affordable home builders cape coral, fl. The word is derived from two ancient Greek words: oxys, which means "sharp," and moronos, which means "dull" or "stupid." Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). In this scene, Juliet utters the phrase "sweet sorrow" to describe the feeling she has when having to say goodbye to Romeo. Crustacean. Here are instances in which its effective to use oxymoron in writing: Since most people dont use oxymoron very often when speaking, it does take linguistic skill to create one that is successful. Meghan Jones is a word nerd who has been writing for RD.com since 2017. Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. the word nascar is an oxymoron the word nascar is an oxymoron. Oxymorons present an ideal opportunity to be clever or funny. Instead, meaning should be derived from the context in which an oxymoron is used. [11], Other examples from English-language literature include: That I shall say good night till it be morrow. It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. the word nascar is an oxymoron mars 15, 2021 by 0 Comments 0 View. the word nascar is an oxymoron. RELATED: Palindrome Examples: Words and Phrases That Are the Same Backwards and Forwards, RELATED: The Most Confusing Rules in the Grammar World, RELATED:The Best-Ever Hyperbole Examples, RELATED: Pangram Examples Every Word Lover Will Appreciate. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas Jane Austen, Emma, 1815. "melancholy merriment" (Byron), Learn more. However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings, like old news, deafening silence, or organized chaos. Oxymorons may seem illogical at first, but in context they usually make sense. They also occasionally work well with figurative language to compound the power behind certain words. The scope of a paradox can go much deeper, drawing on complicated themes and philosophical concepts. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. Indeed, oxymorons are often used to make fun of an idea, person, or . If you're referring to oxymoron in plural, both oxymorons and oxymora are correct. Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. The humour derives from implying that an assumption (which might otherwise be expected to be controversial or at least non-evident) is so obvious as to be part of the lexicon. 1481-82). You might say that they juxtapose each other, which means, when placed close together, they create an. Are you still searching for the perfect oxymoron? Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. Oxymorons are similar to such other devices as paradox and antithesis and are often used in poetry and other literature. A person who is thrifty does not like to spend money. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Not monosyllabic or one word, but I came upon an "oxymoron that isn't" in a book I am reading, The Pale King, David Foster Wallace (posthumous): "spectacularly dull."It turns out this phrase is pretty common. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The scholarship instructions state that I should submit an, I asked Steve to go to the dance with me. Some oxymorons are accidental and/or so common in our speech that we dont realize that theyre totally contradictory. In other words, oxymorons are contradictive words or phrases used intentionally to create an effect. Old news is an everyday example of an oxymoron, as news is meant to be current. Here's an example of paradox from George Orwell's Animal Farm: Find 52 ways to say OXYMORON, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. For example, oxymoron phrases such as marital bliss, military intelligence,andbusiness ethics,depending on how they are used as figures of speech, can be effective literary devices to indicate irony. But pairing it with deafening gives silence a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). We provide informative and helpful articles about the newest fiction and nonfiction books on the market that you can come back to again and again when you have the urge for a new book to dig into. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More | Merriam-Webster Est. This contradiction is also known as aparadox. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. The distinction between the two is clear (now). An oxymoron is usually just two words (sometimes one, as in bittersweet), but a paradox is an entire statement, usually a standalone sentence or even a full, What is the difference between oxymoron and paradox?, A Guide to Using Plain Language in Writing. The term "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron as it derives from the Greek "oxus" (sharp) and "moros" (stupid). oxymoron definition: 1. two words or phrases used together that have, or seem to have, opposite meanings: 2. two words. Althoughthe adjective "sweet" evokes a giddy, romantic emotion, the word "sorrow" callsto mind the much less happy, far more depressing aspect of having tobid farewell to someone you'd rather not leave. What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldnt be used as a proper oxymoron. nt authority local system. Send us feedback. Oxymoron Quotes. Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way. Or plastic silverware. This figure of speech is clever in that utilizing the word real to describe something that is fake actually lends a sense of truth and authenticity to something that is, by nature, untrue and inauthentic. "i find nothing more depressing than optimism.". If this statement is indeed false as it says, then this would actually make it true. Think jumbo shrimp. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is whats known as a contradiction in terms, although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. Overall, as a literary device, oxymoron functions as a means of getting the readers attention through the pairing of opposing or contradictory words. In this poem, Lord Byron uses the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections between sadness and joy. As rhetorical devices, oxymorons have been used in many different mediums from political speeches to novels to stage plays. Heres a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? oxymoron (n.) in rhetoric, "a figure conjoining words or terms apparently contradictory so as to give point to the statement or expression," 1650s, from Greek oxymron, noun use of neuter of oxymros (adj.) (Hence you might buy vintage clothing for cheap at a thrift store.) The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. Awfully good, bittersweet, same difference, and original copy are a few oxymoron examples. Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox! An oxymoron refers to a word, phrase, or use of language that seems to directly contradict itself, and it is believed to come from the Greek ox(s), sharp, andmrs, dull. So the word for oxymoron actuallyisan oxymoron in Greek! You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. "delighted sorrow", "loyal treachery", "scalding coolness" (Hemingway).[18]. It starts with super, which it gets from supermarket. The word oxymoron is an ancient Greek word, which translates most closely to something like sharply dull or cleverly stupid. In other words, the oxymoron definition is itself an oxymoron. This statement made by Holden reveals the level of complexity and impact an oxymoron can have as a literary device when it comes to interpretation. This contradiction is also known as a paradox. And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true. Our vetted tutor database includes a range of experienced educators who can help you polish an essay for English or explain how derivatives work for Calculus. We use oxymorons because they make effective titles in literature or film, and add dramatic effect, for example, Dead Man Walking, Mr. Oxymoronic is the adjectival form of oxymoron. Thenyou'll need to knowwhat to expect on exam day, including what kinds of questions you'll be asked and how much time you'll have. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' As the example's author, Richard Watson Todd, said, "The true beauty of oxymorons is that, unless we sit back and really think, we happily accept them as normalEnglish. He was very warmly thanked both by mother and daughter; to escape a little from the latter, he went to the pianoforte, and begged Miss Fairfax, who was still sitting at it, to play something more. Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. Consider the common oxymorons and think about times they may have been included in conversations you have had. As rhetorical devices, oxymorons have been used in many different mediums from political speeches to novels to stage plays. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other. The main topic of this poem is the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, an event during whichnumerous Irish nationalists rebelled against the British government in Ireland. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. 1828 Words at Play Internal Conflict: The One-Word Oxymoron When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. The word follows an earlier obsolete noun dingthrift, with ding meaning to deal blows to, knock down, or beat., We couldnt have a list of oxymorons without mentioning oxymoron itself. A paradox is a statement or argument that seems to be contradictory or to go against common sense, but that is yet perhaps still truefor example, "less is more.". (Old news, anyone?) by William Shakespeare, wherein combining things that contrast is an ongoing theme.) This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Sometimes they're used to create a little bit of drama for the reader; sometimes they're used to make a person stop and think, whether that's to laugh or to wonder. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. the word nascar is an oxymoron. Even though the two words are often antonyms (words with opposite meanings), they don't negate each other. up next, we take a look at oxymoron examples in sentences from literature and pop culture. These lines come from the hit 2013 song "All of Me" recorded by John Legend. The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. However, others can be intentional: For instance, in the phrase deafening silence, the seeming contradiction only serves to emphasize the intensity of the silence. Feeling 'bumfuzzled' or have the 'collywobbles'? Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. The first word is usually used to describe the second word in a way that contrasts with it. O loving hate!"). Oxymorons are a favorite literary device of poets, particularly when they express complex feelings such as love and desire. Check out the funniest accidental, and intentional, malapropism examples as well. These word pairings are not inherently opposite, but their individual concepts can seem contradictory when combined. A common oxymoron is the phrase "the same difference." These figures of speech can enhance a readers understanding of a concept, interpretation of a phrase, or enjoyment of language. juni 14, 2022; Posted by synology broadcast storm; 14 . Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech: People are often confused by the difference between oxymoron and paradox. Think jumbo shrimp. In some languages, it is not necessary to place a conjunction like and between the two antonyms; such compounds (not necessarily of antonyms) are known as dvandvas (a term taken from Sanskrit grammar). Home Uncategorized the word nascar is an oxymoron. to compound the power behind certain words. By that measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor. The juicy bone is a contrast in its own phrasing, as well as a contrasting image with the coffin and the implied corpses bones inside. The Greek compound word oksmron, which would correspond to the Latin formation, does not seem to appear in any known Ancient Greek works prior to the formation of the Latin term.[8]. William Shakespeare was known to sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and sonnets. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. Consider the oxymoron example deafening silence. 2020, Preposterous suggests the idea of conflict in its meaning: contrary to nature, reason, or common sense, as in a preposterous notion.. It is often composed of an adjective and a noun that are not usually seen together, juxtaposed in a startling way. ", Oxymorons have been used since the days of the ancient Greek poets. Oxymoron of the Day Favorite Oxymoron Terms Calm Storm (Science) Casual Chic (Fashion) Cat fish (Science) Chili (Food) This website uses cookies to improve your experience. One of the most famous examples of a paradox is thesentence, "This statement is false." Then check out our in-depth guide to the 31 literary devices you must know. Oxymorons combine contradictory words, but paradoxes combine contradictory ideas. Big baby. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. Oftentimes a phrase cited as an example of an oxymoron is really just a play on words. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Idylls of the King, Parting is such sweet sorrow. Also, they often lead the reader to an underlying truth. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." The dictionary defines an oxymoron as a "wittily paradoxical turn of phrase that appeals to 'unconscious responses' instead of rational examinations". Lederer (1990), in the spirit of "recreational linguistics", goes as far as to construct "logological oxymorons"[jargon] such as reading the word nook composed of "no" and "ok" or the surname Noyes as composed of "no" plus "yes", or far-fetched punning such as "divorce court", "U.S. Army Intelligence" or "press release". ., And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true., The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that, . For even more examples of oxymorons in sentences, take a look at these examples of funny oxymoron quotes. To separate the two, consider that a paradox is an event or a situation and an oxymoron is a figure of speech. your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. In this sense, theuprising was simultaneously terrible (in that it led to death) and beautiful (in its romantic aspirations for independence). Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". An oxymoron is an opposition between a term and the qualification that is given it, or between two qualities attributed to a single term, or between the simultaneous denial and assertion of the same fact or concept. The N Word is a figure of speech - a racist and hateful figure of speech. The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that oxymorons use contradictory words whereas paradoxes use contradictory ideas. Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. Next, read up on what an aphorism is and how its used. ), so this article explains everything you need to know. and Grammarly helps you communicate confidently. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, O brawling love! The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. Season 1, Episode 1. Oxymoron definition: If you describe a phrase as an oxymoron , you mean that what it refers to combines two. That makes oxymorons a serious option in, is fairly neutralit can be calm or tense, depending on the context. Posted at 14:06h in does jetblue have power outlets by white stuff on frozen chicken. is an ancient Greek word, which translates most closely to something like sharply dull or cleverly stupid. In other words, the oxymoron definition is itself an oxymoron. It takes that remaining super- prefix from supermarket and then replaces market with the diminutive suffix -ette (as found in words like kitchenette or featurette). As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. Need more help with this topic? All rights reserved. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | l | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z A B C cafeteria food calculated error calculated risk calculated spontaneity Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. Ask questions; get answers. Oxymorons are common in everyday speech. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. An oxymoron (plurals: oxymorons and oxymora) is a figure of speech that juxtaposes concepts with opposite meanings within a word or in a phrase that is a self-contradiction. (see what we did there? However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. The pairing, while apparently paradoxical . Salinger uses an oxymoron in this quote by Holden Caulfield, the narrator of the novel. [7] The word oxymoron is autological, i.e. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. Adding "jumbo" doesn't make the . Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday writing or conversation: Think you havent heard of any famous oxymorons? An oxymoron can seem absurd yet make perfect sense at the same time. . Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. Therefore, the reader is left in some suspense to wonder what events or feelings would result in such a response received by the character.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'literarydevices_net-leader-1','ezslot_13',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'literarydevices_net-leader-1','ezslot_14',129,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-leader-1-0_1');.leader-1-multi-129{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}.
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