These word pairs, though actually opposite in meaning, are put together so that the meaning that they are trying to put forward is emphasized. oxymoron, noun : a combination for epigrammatic effect of contradictory or incongruous words. Website, Richard Nordquist defines oxymorons as a literary device used by writers and poets for centuries "to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities.". Oxymorons are often used in everyday conversation and ina breadth of writing, such as literature, poetry, and songwriting. 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. Awfully good, bittersweet, same difference, and original copy are a few oxymoron examples. A paradox is a term that presents a situation where two events seem unlikely to coexist. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. 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. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. 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". "wise-foolish"). Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. While an oxymoron is the combination of two contradictory/opposite words in a single sentence, a paradox is an entire phrase/sentence that appears contradictory but, upon further investigation, could be true or plausible. Find 52 ways to say OXYMORON, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. [9] Oxymorons are often confused with paradoxesafter all, both are textbook contradictions of terms. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. He gave me a.
Oxymoron Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com This means that oxymoron is a figure of speech that includes just a couple of contradictory words that are paired together rather than a full statement of ideas. Consider the sonnet. Oxymorons have been used for millennia. However, others can be intentional: For instance, in the phrase deafening silence, the seeming contradiction only serves to emphasize the intensity of the silence. Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? The most common form of oxymoron involves an adjectivenoun combination of two words, but they can also be devised in the meaning of sentences or phrases. But pairing it with, a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. Oxymorons are a favorite literary device of poets, particularly when they express complex feelings such as love and desire.
50 Examples of Oxymorons - ProWritingAid An oxymoron is a phrase made of two or more words that actually have opposite meanings. The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron.
Why do we use oxymorons? - Wylie Communications, Inc. (2021, February 16). tautology, noun : needless or meaningless repetition in close succession of an idea, statement, or word. The most commonly-used example of an oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp,' as a shrimp is small by definition and therefore cannot be jumbo. The scope of oxymorons, however, is limited only to the scope of the individual words used. One oxymoron example is "deafening silence," which describes a silence that is so overpowering it almost feels deafening, or extremely loudjust as an actual sound would. 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 fullparagraph. 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 following is a list for kids who too are struggling to get the correct contradictory set of words together for an assignment or project. That I shall say good night till it be morrow.
What is an Oxymoron? || Definition & Examples | | College of Liberal Oxymoron is a word that describes an expression of two contradictory thoughts, words, or phrases. You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. These 50+ oxymoron examples are listed alphabetically and arranged by category (i.e., the type of oxymoron word combination). There are plenty more to be discovered! Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. Theoxymorons here point toLancelot's contradictory existence in regard to his relationships with both Guinevere and King Arthur: Lancelot isa "faithful" and "honorable" lover to Guinevere yet also an "unfaithful" and "dishonorable" knight to King Arthur, Guineveres husband, whom he is essentially betraying by carrying out a love affair with the queen. Or plastic silverware. These lines come from the hit 2013 song "All of Me" recorded by John Legend. | 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
Giant list of oxymorons - The Search Resource 6 Critically Acclaimed Female Authors You Should Read Before You Die, These Favorite Childrens Book Quotes Will Take You Back In Time, Survival Books Fiction: 5 Fascinating Tales to Read in 2021, Must Read Fiction Books: 5 Essential Literature Classics, Non Fiction War Books: 5 Essential True Stories About War and Peace, Fiction Books for 2nd Graders: 5 Essentials to Add to your Shelves. Combining the idea of before and after leads to a word that describes something that makes so little sense that it leaves you shaking your head. Yes. Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: With loads of learned lumber in his head . As a rhetorical device, an oxymoron illustrates a point to communicate and reveal a paradox. 2001 - 2023 Oxymoron.info - All rights reserved. The adjective sophomoric has two meanings that bring a somewhat negative connotation to sophomores: conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature (as in a sophomoric argument) or lacking in maturity, taste, or judgment (as in sophomoric humor). An oxymoron is a term in which two contradictory terms are combined. But if the statement is true, then it cant be false, despite the fact it claims to be! On its own silence is fairly neutralit can be calm or tense, depending on the context. I can resist anything but temptation. Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis. Grammarly helps you communicate confidently. 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. Easy Examples of Oxymorons Act naturally As a literary device, it is used to make certain word combinations more thought-provoking to stand out.
26 Funny Oxymoron Examples | Oxymorons in Everyday Life, Pop Culture For nearly 40 years . "conventionally unconventional", "tortuous spontaneity" (Henry James)[17] However, the explicit advertisement of the use of oxymorons opened up a sliding scale of less than obvious construction, ending in the "opinion oxymorons" such as "business ethics". The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. that juxtaposes contradictory terms.
Seriously Funny: a Celebration of the Oxymoron - Crozet Gazette Well also provide you with an extensive list of oxymoronsso you can get a better feel for what oxymorons look and sound like. Consider these paradox examples: You have to spend money to make money. The dictionary defines an oxymoron as a "wittily paradoxical turn of phrase that appeals to 'unconscious responses' instead of rational examinations". The audience was a failure.
OXYMORON Synonyms: 52 Synonyms & Antonyms for OXYMORON | Thesaurus.com A simpler meaning would be that, it is a set of consecutive words that express conflicting meanings. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Old news is an everyday example of an oxymoron, as news is meant to be current.
Where Is Oxymoron Derived From? - The Squidly Write with Grammarly. 1, 'Cattywampus' and Other Funny-Sounding Words. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. This presents the word. Oxymorons is now more common in print than oxymora, but you'll find the latter listed in most dictionaries. Next, read up on what an aphorism is and how its used. (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small').
How to understand - and use - English oxymorons "Shrimp" in the sense of food is an animal. Adding "jumbo" doesn't make the . This stanza, from Lord Tennysons retelling of the tale of King Arthur, usesseveral oxymorons for poetic effect and as a way to emphasize the conundrum that Lancelot, Arthurs most loyal knight and friend, finds himself in. Salinger uses an oxymoron in this quote by Holden Caulfield, the narrator of the novel. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. marekuliasz / iStock / Getty Images Plus. The violent display ultimately led to thousands of deaths and injuries. Oxymorons in the narrow sense are a rhetorical device used deliberately by the speaker, and intended to be understood as such by the listener. It may seem illogical or unrealistic, but, upon reflection, its based in reality and stems from valid reasoning. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? Nordquist, Richard. Oftentimes a phrase cited as an example of an oxymoron is really just a play on words. josh brener commercial. 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.
oxymoron - definition and meaning All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 1.
Oxymoron - Examples and Definition of Oxymoron - Literary Devices and oxymoron | Etymology, origin and meaning of oxymoron by etymonline Your writing, at its best This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Its a somewhat regional word for a small convenience-type grocery store, often used in business names (Carsons Superette). While we are loath to place restrictions on language use, oxymoron usually refers to a set of contradictory words (such as bittersweet) rather than to a contradictory person. In its original Italian, chiaro means clear or light, while oscuro means obscure or dark., One ambitious curator went for a whole Caravaggio, The Supper at Emmaus, using clever kitchen lighting for some real-life chiaroscuro. It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. "[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).
100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons - ThoughtCo An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp'
What Is an Oxymoron? Definition and Examples | Grammarly O loving hate!"). So how did we arrive at spendthrift for a word for someone who spends money wastefully? affordable home builders cape coral, fl.
the word nascar is an oxymoron - bd-hyd.com "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". But once you become fluent in English, it's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they are. Read literally, they contradict themselves. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. To separate the two, consider that a paradox is an event or a situation and an oxymoron is a figure of speech. Note: All bold emphasis in the following quotations is my own. A crisis is defined as a time of serious difficulty or importance. 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? Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. Also, they often lead the reader to an underlying truth. Their dramatic effect is much more powerful with sparing use. In other words, oxymorons are contradictive words or phrases used intentionally to create an effect. This list is in no way comprehensive, and just aims at giving you an idea as to what oxymora are. 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 Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Idylls of the King, Parting is such sweet sorrow. However, as there are so many, you might not catch them all. Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition.
What is an Oxymoron? Easy Definition, With Examples from Literature Generally, the ideas will come as two separate words placed side by side. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. Banksy, Wall and Piece. This is an oxymoron because all babies are small. The word "oxymoron" is an oxymoron itself and derives from the . I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are certainly more than just a few. These figures of speech can enhance a readers understanding of a concept, interpretation of a phrase, or enjoyment of language. It is often composed of an adjective and a noun that are not usually seen together, juxtaposed in a startling way. If you're referring to oxymoron in plural, both oxymorons and oxymora are correct. Lord Byron, Don Juan: Canto VIII, His honour rooted in dishonour stood, Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. 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.