The dictionary defines an oxymoron as a "wittily paradoxical turn of phrase that appeals to 'unconscious responses' instead of rational examinations". Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. In other words, oxymorons are contradictive words or phrases used intentionally to create an effect. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. 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}. An oxymoronis a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. An oxymoron can seem absurd yet make perfect sense at the same time. Oxymoron definition, a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in "cruel kindness" or "to make haste slowly." See more. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Seeing these oxymoron examples used in the context of sentences may provide a better idea of how and why they're used. Check out the oxymoron definition. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that is made up of two or more words that seem to be the opposite of each other or truly are opposite of each other. 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. Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. "with the hinder part before", compare hysteron proteron, "upside-down", "head over heels", "ass-backwards" etc. n, -mor- / grammar a phrase or statement that seems to say two opposite things, as in " jumbo shrimp " and " agree to disagree " (Definition of oxymoron from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary Cambridge University Press) Examples of oxymoron oxymoron One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More - Merriam-Webster 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. Note: All bold emphasis in the following quotations is my own. 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. Oxymorons present an ideal opportunity to be clever or funny. "darkness visible" (Milton), Nordquist, Richard. Merriam-Webster defines an oxymoron as a rhetorical device in which a combination of contradictory or incongruous words is used in conjunction. . For example, in Chinese, compounds like (man and woman, male and female, gender), (yin and yang), (good and evil, morality) are used to indicate couples, ranges, or the trait that these are extremes of. 67 Stupidly Brilliant (& Seriously Fun) Oxymoron Examples - Smart Blogger oxymoron, a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. With the first oxymoron,"perfect imperfections," the speaker is making it clear that his lovers flaws are ultimately what make her the perfect partner for him. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. I can resist anything but temptation. This presents the word. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? How every letter can be (annoyingly) silent, Helping you navigate the linguistic road ahead. It's likely you've used, or at least heard, a few oxymorons in your everyday life, even if you didn't realize it at the time. We already gave an oxymoron definition above, so here lets talk about paradoxes. Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. the word nascar is an oxymoron. Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. Consider these paradox examples: You have to spend money to make money. ., And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true., The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that, . If this statement is indeed false as it says, then this would actually make it true. With loads of learned lumber in his head . Who Are The Most Romantic Literary Figures of All Time? However, an oxymoron, in its strict definition, requires that the two words be side by side, as in: "X was undergoing constant change." The phrase "The only constant is change." (the original Asimov quote), or the phrase "Change is the only constant," is best described as a simple paradox. that juxtaposes contradictory terms. ), so this article explains everything you need to know. An oxymoron is a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. 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. To save this word, you'll need to log in. to compound the power behind certain words. Learn a new word every day. josh brener commercial. Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. Oxymorons are often confused with paradoxesafter all, both are textbook contradictions of terms. Write with Grammarly. This book, in which Wallace presents employees of the IRS and their spectacularly damaged lives, often dwells on the connection between tedium and pain. Meghan Jones is a word nerd who has been writing for RD.com since 2017. Learn all about effective imageryandwhat personification is with our expert guides. The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. An oxymoron is a literary device combining oppositional words to create a unique word or phrase. Delivered to your inbox! However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldnt be used as a proper oxymoron. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression: insertListLink('Huge List of Oxymoron Examples', 2, 2, 'shortexamples'). An oxymoron is a phrase made of two or more words that actually have opposite meanings. Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. If you're referring to oxymoron in plural, both oxymorons and oxymora are correct. What Is an Oxymoron? - The Habitat Oxymoron of the Day Favorite Oxymoron Terms Calm Storm (Science) Casual Chic (Fashion) Cat fish (Science) Chili (Food) Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxymoron. 1481-82). Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. This presents the word silence in a unique way thats particularly expressive. Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples, Definition and Examples of Irony (Figure of Speech). That I shall say good night till it be morrow. For example, "virtual reality" consists of contradictory terms that form a new meaning. These word pairings are not inherently opposite, but their individual concepts can seem contradictory when combined. In cuisine, it describes things like dark chocolate, which is thought of as sweet but in reality contains little sugar, so has a sharper taste than regular chocolate. There are many examples of oxymorons in the English language such as "jumbo shrimp," "hot ice," and "civil war." Oxymoron is a word that literally means "contradictory terms." But once you become fluent in English, it's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they are. Quotes tagged as "oxymoron" Showing 1-30 of 30. Next, read up on what an aphorism is and how its used. juni 14, 2022; Posted by synology broadcast storm; 14 . More than a few have even become commonplace expressions in modern-day English, such as these oxymoron examples: As with other literary devices like metaphor, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole, oxymorons have a few different purposes in writing, all of which are quite useful in the right situation: As a contradiction of terms, an oxymoron both stands out and also elicits critical thinking. oxymoron - definition and meaning are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons - ThoughtCo Giant list of oxymorons - The Search Resource Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. [3], The term oxymoron is first recorded as Latinized Greek oxymrum, in Maurus Servius Honoratus (c. AD 400);[4] it is derived from the Greek word okss "sharp, keen, pointed"[5] and mros "dull, stupid, foolish";[6] as it were, "sharp-dull", "keenly stupid", or "pointedly foolish". 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. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. 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. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Want to learn more about figures of speech, besides oxymorons and paradoxes? In perhaps the most well-known oxymoron in literature, Juliet describes her feelings about Romeo leaving her presence as sweet sorrow. Shakespeares use of oxymoron indicates that Juliets sorrow and sadness at the thought that Romeo must part from her is also sweet and pleasant. The best way to make money is to spend money. jumbo shrimp - Oxymoron List the word nascar is an oxymoron - sinfinconstruction.be What is an Oxymoron? Easy Definition, With Examples from Literature Original copy: Oxymorons that aren't | Discussion Forum | A Way with Or plastic silverware. Check out Tutorbase! These 50+ oxymoron examples are listed alphabetically and arranged by category (i.e., the type of oxymoron word combination). As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being salty, sour, and savory (umami). O heavy lightness, serious vanity! The N Word is a figure of speech - a racist and hateful figure of speech. no longer a productive compound in English, but loaned as a compound from a different language), as with pre-posterous (lit. the word nascar is an oxymoron. Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. Oxymoron Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com The Italian pianoforte or fortepiano is an example from a Western language; the term is short for gravicembalo col piano e forte, as it were "harpiscord with a range of different volumes", implying that it is possible to play both soft and loud (as well as intermediate) notes, not that the sound produced is somehow simultaneously "soft and loud". Delivered to your inbox! OXYMORON Synonyms: 52 Synonyms & Antonyms for OXYMORON | Thesaurus.com This contradiction is also known as a paradox. An example of such a "comical oxymoron" is "educational television": the humour derives entirely from the claim that it is an oxymoron by the implication that "television" is so trivial as to be inherently incompatible with "education". O loving hate! Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Lancelot and Elaine" inIdylls of the King. Post author By ; Post date regina's restaurant menu; california home care aide registry . Supermarket was coined by adding the prefix super- (higher in quantity, quality, or degree) to the noun market for a large store that carried a vast assortment of groceries and other household goods. Wills argues that use of the term "oxymoron" should remain reserved for the conscious use of contradiction to express something that is "surprisingly true". What Is an Oxymoron? - AuthorMAG A spendthrift, thereore, is a person who foolishly squanders those savings. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. Oxymoron. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxymoron. What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? There is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form of the word. Feel free to look throughthis vast list of oxymoron examplesif youre in need of an oxymoron for something you're writing or if you simply want tolearn some of the most commonones. Palindromes For Middle School Teaching Resources | TPT However, you may come across many such examples that need verbal interpretations and deep understanding. Oxymoron, , Acutifatuum aut stulte acutum, subtilly foolish; derived from , [oxy] acumen, sharpnesse of wit, and , [moros] stultus, a fool. All rights reserved. The defining characteristic of an oxymoron is combining words or phrases that have opposite meanings. It involves pairing words that imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to create a deeper meaning in the context. Feeling 'bumfuzzled' or have the 'collywobbles'? The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Exactly! Yes! But pairing it with, a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. According to Wills, Buckley has "poisoned the general currency" of the word oxymoron by using it as just a "fancier word for 'contradiction'", when he said that "an intelligent liberal is an oxymoron". Oscar Wilde. Often, you come across words that are paired together, but maybe completely contradictory in meaning. "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." What are examples of oxymoron? the word nascar is an oxymoron - sadiqindustries.com Shellfish. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! situs link alternatif kamislot the word nascar is an oxymoron All Rights Reserved. Oxymoron - Examples and Definition of Oxymoron - Literary Devices and the word nascar is an oxymoron. up next, we take a look at oxymoron examples in sentences from literature and pop culture. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. Oxymorons have been used for millennia. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeares line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love! Oxymorons are often used in everyday conversation and ina breadth of writing, such as literature, poetry, and songwriting. Send us feedback. In a 2009 article called "Daredevil", Garry Wills accused William F. Buckley of popularising this trend, based on the success of the latter's claim that "an intelligent liberal is an oxymoron. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team owner David Hill said Sunday morning that he was sorry for placing a post on Facebook late Saturday night that included a racial slur and veiled threat directed at reigning Whelen Modified Tour champion Ryan Preece. In a more extended sense, the term "oxymoron" has also been applied to inadvertent or incidental contradictions, as in the case of "dead metaphors" ("barely clothed" or "terribly good"). Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? Also, mastering the oxymoron is an elegant way to weave clever wordplay into your creative writing.. An oxymoron can be a word or phrase in one of these formats: . The word "oxymoron" is derived from Greek a combination of oxy- meaning keen or sharp and -mrs meaning dull or foolish. By extension, oxymorons deal with the contrast between the meanings of words, but paradoxes focus on the contrast between complete ideas. [1][2] A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. It starts with super, which it gets from supermarket. Similarly, "choice" implies more than one option, which is contradicted by "only," which implies the opposite. https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814 (accessed March 4, 2023). Oxymorons can be clearly confusing (see what we did there? Late Greek oxymron, from neuter of oxymros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mros foolish. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(360031, '21006efe-96ea-47ea-9553-204221f7f333', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. 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. Usually, oxymorons are made up of just two words, but paradoxes are complete sentences, sometimes entire paragraphs. What is An Oxymoron? | The Word Counter One of the most famous examples of a paradox is thesentence, "This statement is false." Oxymorons also feature in modern comedy and politics. Indeed, oxymorons are often used to make fun of an idea, person, or . And, of course, plenty of people use oxymorons intentionally for humorous effect. Some oxymorons are accidental and/or so common in our speech that we dont realize that theyre totally contradictory. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. How to understand - and use - English oxymorons Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. ", Oxymorons have been used since the days of the ancient Greek poets. And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. For example, if a character is described as a man child, this oxymoron calls up a humorous image of a child that looks like a man or vice-versa. All babies can be childish but, for some reason, adding the word 'big' communicates that the person you are talking about is even more childish than a regular-sized . 309 likes. "[21], Examples popularized by comedian George Carlin in 1975 include "military intelligence" (a play on the lexical meanings of the term "intelligence", implying that "military" inherently excludes the presence of "intelligence") and "business ethics" (similarly implying that the mutual exclusion of the two terms is evident or commonly understood rather than the partisan anti-corporate position). [7] The word oxymoron is autological, i.e. 26 Funny Oxymoron Examples | Oxymorons in Everyday Life, Pop Culture Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: All the pain he had endured was as nothing compared with the exquisite agony of this. How to use each word. the word nascar is an oxymoron - quickfundinggroup.com They also occasionally work well with figurative language to compound the power behind certain words. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, our in-depth guide to the 31 literary devices you must know. "proud humility" (Spenser),[13] The Literary Technique of Oxymoron in Poetry - Owlcation
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