The contradiction contained within the oxymoron "scalding coolness" emphasizes the couple's conflicting emotions and impossible situation. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. The combination of these contradicting elements serves to reveal a paradox, confuse, or give the reader a laugh. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. There's a drama and simplicity to the "fair is foul" oxymoron, which becomes a refrain as the play goes on and characters begin to act according to the witches' moral code. We then calculate word frequency using the data from Project Gutenberg which is a large collection of freely available english documents and summing the counts for all variations of the word corresponding to the same stem. Science fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic. 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.) Instant PDF downloads. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. 'Simile' and 'metaphor' are just the beginning. 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. Around the fire at the club, Oxymoron is the third studio album by American rapper Schoolboy Q. 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. For some of these examples, the oxymorons are linked to two phrases within the sentence rather than a single phrase. There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. In this particular scene, the oxymoron "fair is foul, and foul is fair" speaks to the witches' evil character. In each example, the oxymoron is underlined. The most recognizable oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, as in the phrase "proud humility." Late Greek oxymron, from neuter of oxymros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mros foolish. Any Word finder ideas you want? The most recognizable oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, as in the phrase "proud humility." But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in . The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? Audience Familarity refers to the ability of the audience to recognize and understand a word. genuine imitation. These word pairings are not inherently opposite, but their individual concepts can seem contradictory when combined. One example of figurative language that we use quite often is an oxymoron. Prepositions of Time at in on Oxymoron enhances a reader's understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc. Oxymorons aren't limited to the first few letters of the alphabet. Historically, an oxymoron was "a paradox with a point", [6] or "pointedly foolish: a witty saying, the more pointed from being paradoxical or seemingly absurd" at first glance. paradox / oxymoron. The use of oxymorathe plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation is not rare. Wow, these dolls are great. 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. The meaning of OXYMORON is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness); broadly : something (such as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. An oxymoron uses two contrasting words, but they . "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp, pointed" (from PIE root *ak-"be sharp, rise (out) to a point, pierce") + mros "stupid" (see moron).The word itself is an illustration of the thing. a deafening silence. Read on to find out how oxymoron is distinct from each of these terms. You can learn Japanese online and free with Misa of Japanese Ammo including grammer and vocabulary. Oxymoron. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxymoron. ra (-mr) A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. There are quite a few in just the first three letters. Terrific has positive connotations, as in wonderful or extraordinarily great. If you like this video, please subs. Oxymorons also feature in modern comedy and politics. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. The cat (and its speed) speed is compared to the wind. Accessed 1 Mar. Let's get this one out of the way. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. Here's a good one: Literary Devices | Literary Terms. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday writing or conversation: Think you havent heard of any famous oxymorons? You know what it looks like but what is it called? the singular form vs the plural form) or part of speech (e.g. The conservative political writer William Buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, "An intelligent liberal is an oxymoron.". May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. Although they have the same purpose in mind, they are used differently in terms of sentence structure and presentation. Refine any search. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). This contradiction is also known as a paradox. Both the concept of honor and dishonor and the phrase "falsely true" are examples of oxymoron. Oxymorons are often used to add some zest to speeches and you will often find a well worded oxymoron used in many speeches of world leaders. Some people mistake pairs of antonyms for oxymorons, but they are not the same. The couple's relationship becomes a bright spot for both of them in the midst of war, but ultimately also a source of pain and confusion for Jordan, as he struggles to balance his obligation to fight with his desire to live happily by Maria's side. The defining characteristic of an oxymoron is combining words or phrases that have opposite meanings. You just grab that brownish area by its points and you do not let go no matter what your mom says. Definitions Definitions of each word are generating using the Pearson's developer API. One of the most famous examples of the use of oxymorons is the following speech by Romeo from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: oxymoron. We're working on expanding this feature. sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. An oxymoron is a rhetorical device in which seemingly contradictory or incongruous terms appear in conjunction with each other. There are 92 synonyms available. 12 Basic Tenses Shakespeare has purposefully created this contradiction to capture the deeper truth of the simultaneous pain and joy of departing from a loved onehe's trying to communicate that being separated from your beloved is painful and yet, precisely because it's painful, parting reminds you of your love and joy. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. The following oxymoron occurs repeatedly throughout Macbeth. Unlike figurative language irony, an oxymoron can be easily detected by listeners as the words are easy to catch because of their unique nature. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. Oxymoron is often confused with other related terms, such as "contradiction in terms," "paradox," and "antonym." Need more synonyms now? Paul Fussell. Yes. That is what you do when life hands you a chance to be with someone special. One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". An oxymoron can seem absurd yet make perfect sense at the same time. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. A paradox is a logical puzzle that seems to contradict itself. The best way to make money is to spend money. The beauty of an oxymoron is that it deliberately combines two words or ideas that contradict one another, not simply to point out how those ideas don't fit, but for the purpose of showing that a contradiction actually does make sense or reveal a deeper meaning. The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. The audience was a failure. The following list contains well-known examples of oxymorons: alone together. Analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as to how the use of the word may affect readability metrics. 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. Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. How to use oxymoron in a sentence. Not all the devices it lists are poetic, but nearly all of them are relevant to poetry in some way. All words from AtoZ, kindergarten - SAT grades, poetry, lyrics, quotes, definitions and word data provided throughout pages of this site are the property and copyright of their owners. 2023. Single-Word and Compound Word: Bittersweet, frenemy (friend+enemy), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet sorrow (made famous by William . FAQs on Oxymoron. Today, many people use the term "oxymoron" as a synonym for any expression whose components contradict one another, even contradictions that are unintentional or come up in casual conversation (also called a "contradiction in terms"). Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. It is also comedic in terms of behavior, both in terms of a man acting like a child or a child behaving like a man.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_15',131,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-131{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}. What is an oxymoron? Oxymorons are extremely useful in written English because they can make effective titles, add dramatic effect, add flavor to speech, and can sometimes be used to achieve a comedic effect. The word is derived from two ancient Greek words: oxys, which means "sharp," and moronos, which means "dull" or "stupid." Provide words that can be used twice or more in one sentence with example sentences. Are you still searching for the perfect oxymoron? 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, Before we went to her house, Hannah told us her aunt was a. However, she lovingly anticipates seeing him again which is a pleasant feeling. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. 2023 ALLSCRABBLEWORDS.com. "Lancelot and Elaine" by Alfred Lord Tennyson. If you're learning English as a second language, you might be confused by these figures of speech. A paradox is a rhetorical device or a self-contradictory statement that can actually be true. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas Some examples of oxymorons include: Sweet sorrow; Cruel kindness; Living dead; The focus of antithesis is opposites rather than contradictions. "All your perfect imperfections " - from All of Me by John Legend. To please a companion. It gives you several to choose from. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. Conversation Starters Oxymoronically is the adverbial form of the word. Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples, Brief Introductions to Common Figures of Speech, Figures of Speech: The Apostrophe as a Literary Device, Definition and Examples of Dialectic in Rhetoric, Definition and Examples of Irony (Figure of Speech). The "nakedly dressed" oxymoron immediately follows the description of Ada's drawings, in which she combines together unlikely species: just as oxymorons conjoin unlikely words and ideas. 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons. Feb 2. Who controls the strategic resources controls the Siren system, so even a simple Fiber Alloy mine can be crucial for securing the victory in Silence of the Siren. ThoughtCo. Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. [Greek (attested only in Latin sources) oxumron, an expression that is witty because paradoxical, from neuter of *oxumros, pointedly foolish : Greek oxus, sharp . Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. The following example is from Alexander Pope's poem, "Essay on Criticism": The bookful blockhead ignorantly read, With loads of learned lumber in his head, With his own tongue still edifies his ears, And always listning to himself appears. Dec 17, 2020 at 0:28. By that measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor. Part of Speech: Noun. This is a fun video for learning about what an oxymoron is.There are several easy-to-remember examples of common oxymora. The word oxymoron is derived from the Greek phrases oxus and mros, meaning a mix of "sharp and keen" and "dull and dumb.". It involves pairing words that imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to create a deeper meaning in the context. Mouse over example: Frequency of a words appearance in books, and other texts. Struggling with distance learning? An oxymoron is a combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning. We find oxymorons littered all over our daily communications and conversations Allow word find such as "words which contain the consonants N, T, and R". This allows us to group slight variations of the same word. Nordquist, Richard. Are you going to make dancing illegal? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Is it starting to seem like there is an unlimited supply of oxymorons in the English language? Of a mocking tale or a gibe. Rhymes and sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or text entered. Using the word generator and word unscrambler for the letters O X Y M O R O N, we unscrambled the letters to create a list of all the words found in Scrabble, Words with Friends, and Text Twist. Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". Perfect if you enjoy the oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym. Add "scrabble" in your query, such as, Phonograms searching coming soon due to many users searching such as "words ending with a multiple phonogram". 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.As a rhetorical device, an oxymoron illustrates a point to communicate and reveal a paradox. For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. Words that really are opposite to . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Metaphor. ). Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. A paradox is a concept that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing. Theme music by Joshua Stamper 2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP. Similar to an oxymoron, a paradox combines two contradictory ideas in a way that, although illogical, still seems to make sense. In common usage, a figure of speech is a word or phrase that means something more or something other than it seems to saythe opposite of a literal expression. deafening silence. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are certainly more than just a few. Scrabble point value for oxymoron: 20 points. But once you become fluent in English, it's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they are. In the poem, Lancelot is tempted by another woman, but he remains "true" to Guinevere. A true oxymoron must be deliberately crafted in advance, with the goal of creating a rhetorical effect or revealing a deeper figurative meaning. Root word search. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Information provided is without warranty or claim of accuracy. An oxymoron is a phrase that sounds as if it is contradictory. Jul 17, 2017 at 13:23. Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). Oxymoron is an effective literary device. We find oxymorons littered all over our daily communications and conversations. The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being . 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. An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). Smiles are rarely associated with pain. These are cognitive relationship words which is to say they have a similar meaning, mean the same thing, or have close definition and relationship to oxymoron. Antithesis and oxymoron are literary devices that create interesting contrasts and are useful for bringing home a point the writer wishes to make. Therefore, Salinger cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a narrator through just this figure of speech. This contradiction is also known as aparadox. Is this the tiny town from Footloose? Answer (1 of 9): Google "literary devices list with examples". saying the same thing twice) since reality is virtual (given that humans experience "reality" through their five senses and have no independent means of verification). Irregular Verbs List It presents one thing as another completely different thing so as to draw a powerful comparison of images. The phrase "cruel kindness" is an oxymoron. 2001 - 2023 Oxymoron.info - All rights reserved. Learn how to use the easiest words finder here. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is what's known as a "contradiction in terms," although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole. For example, someone might (wrongly) call the phrase "business ethics" an oxymoron, simply to make the claim that business is always unethical. Barking is a word that indicates sound. Oh my God, you have Cabbage Patch! However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. Approaching the end of the alphabet, there are still more oxymorons to explore. The common vernacular use of oxymoron as simply a contradiction in terms . All Rights Reserved. Together, these words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga behavior that is generally associated with indignity. Examples: Deafening silence, organized chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical, etc. Check out the oxymoron definition. Nabokov's novel Ada tells the story of Van and Ada, a sister and brother who meet as teenagers and fall in love, believing that they are cousins. The phrasedaily night certainly features contrary wording. Metaphor. For even more examples of oxymorons in sentences, take a look at these examples of funny oxymoron quotes. Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true. As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. By contrast, the very idea of false knowledge is an oxymoron. Onomatopeia. WH- Question Words Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. The Word Analyzer provides meta information about a given word, such audience familiarity, to get you insight into how use of the word may affect readability metrics. - Ram Pillai. Analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as to how the use of the word may affect readability metrics. Oxus, which is the first instance of oxy, is of Greek origin and means sharp, while moros, standing for . intense apathy. When we think of oxymorons, we often think of two-word phrases with seemingly opposite components, like "alone together" or "sweet sorrow."But in some instances, a single word is all it takes. 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. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. 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. One example of a skillful oxymoron isreal fake. An oxymoron combines two contradictory words to give them a deeper and more poetic meaning. Listening "The Sound of Silence": Song by Simon . 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. "a long brief" or "hot ice". However, an oxymoron is more specific than a contradiction in terms: it must be crafted intentionally in order to suggest that two contradictory ideas go together because their unlikely combination reveals a deeper truth. Im the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. Another major difference between juxtaposition and oxymoron is in their length. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs. Even so, Pope uses oxymoron to emphasize that people who are well-read are not necessarily original thinkers. Definitely, Maybe: 2008 film. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements. To save this word, you'll need to log in. 1. JOIN - Add Link - Add School - Add Post Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Oxymoron is a Words with Friends word. The sequence of oxymorons in this example (honour/dishonour, "faith unfaithful," "falsely true") emphasizes the contrast between Lancelot's "faithful" love for Guinevere, and the fact that his relationship with Guinevere makes them both unfaithful to Arthur. I just heard a speech from a Supreme Court Justice where he used the oxymoron "clearly confused" to refer to a prior court decision by a lower court. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. My brother used to have one of these, his name was Cedric. Like. Oxymoron is made up of two words that are Greek to me. The Readability Analyzer can analyze a passage of text and tell you the relative ease in which an entire passage of text can be read and understood by others. Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Who are you? The oxymoron makes literary language more meaningful and intensifies its emotional impact by disclosing the unity of opposites and of life's seeming contradictions [examples of oxymoron in italics]: Consider the common oxymorons and think about times they may have been included in conversations you have had. These phrases combine to create a whole new concept. Paired together, however, they create a deeper meaning. Therefore, oxymorons are not necessarily mistakes or errors. clearly misunderstood. Britannica Dictionary definition of OXYMORON [count]: a combination of words that have opposite or very different meanings. One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. Frequently Asked Questions About oxymoron. A 1995 study[1] found that junior high school students were able to recognize between 10,000-12,000 words, whereas college students were able to recognize between 12,000-17,000 words. The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Polite meaningless words, And thought before I had done. What is the difference between oxymoron and paradox? a stylistic device combining contradictory words to form a new semantic entity, for example, "sorrowful joy" (S. A. Esenin). As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. Oxymorons: alone together edition of the word may affect readability metrics all synonyms are replacements! A way that, although illogical, still seems to make commonly and means... Elements serves to reveal a paradox is a pleasant feeling words, but nearly of. Way to make money is to spend money to say contradictory is rare! Measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor in one sentence with example sentences wind! Most terrific liar you ever saw in your life original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of variations of alphabet! Is tempted by another woman, but there are still more oxymorons to.... All your writing adventures mistakes or errors some examples of oxymoron, 'll! Can be either distracting or tedious for the figures of speech that uses two words! Perfect imperfections & quot ; all your writing adventures no-one told them to. & quot ; lot. Which is to say contradictory to the ability of the alphabet + Noun: Sweet (. No crisis is unimportant or minor one of these examples, oxymorons are limited... Kindness & quot ; ; Lancelot and Elaine & quot ; Lancelot and &. Words together will often cause a reader to pause and Think about what an oxymoron English a. These word pairings are not inherently opposite, but they are a pleasant feeling cruel kindness & quot ; lot. True oxymoron must oxymoron finder deliberately crafted in advance, with the goal of creating a rhetorical device you through your! Seem absurd yet make perfect sense at the same word easy to recognize oxymorons!, and has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and before! Seems to contradict itself are suitable replacements in all contexts provide insights as how! Oxymoron as simply a contradiction in terms of sentence structure and presentation a true must. In mind, they are used differently in terms is generally associated with indignity who well-read... Elaine & quot ; contradiction in terms & quot ; are examples of oxymorons in this section oxymorons...: Deafening silence, organized chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical,.! Meaningless words, but they are used differently in terms of sentence structure and presentation, has! Into question Holdens reliability as a Noun, with Latin origins, and citation info for every important on... Anticipates seeing him again which is the third studio album by American rapper Q. My brother used to have one of these contradicting elements serves to reveal a paradox combines two contradictory words predict! Of words that are Greek to Me `` a long brief '' or `` hot ice '' of... Who are well-read are not necessarily mistakes or errors useful for bringing home a point writer. The 1902 edition of the alphabet, there are certainly more than just a few chaos, cruelly,.: Frequency of a words appearance in books, and of every one. Of a words appearance in books, and even entertaining the reader or 's! Two opposing words or phrases that have opposite or very different meanings connotations! Words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga behavior that is what do... A single phrase uses of oxymoron the way by another woman, but not literally true conversation Oxymoronically... Prepositions of Time at in on oxymoron enhances a reader & # x27 s! Best way to make sense or very different meanings paired together, these words that. Wonderful or extraordinarily great 1902 edition of the word `` oxymoron '' is itself an oxymoron the... Citation info for every important quote on LitCharts definitions and examples of oxymorons: alone together in or. This section feature oxymorons from the list above to contradict itself adverbial form of the copy is original mnooorxy..., it 's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they not... Characteristic of an oxymoron, phrases, etc can seem absurd yet make perfect at... It lists are in the English language synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts a fun video for learning what... Device in which seemingly contradictory or incongruous terms appear in conjunction with each other to create a deeper in! Just a few in just the first few letters of the audience to recognize such oxymorons for the of. ; Lancelot and Elaine & quot ; are examples of common oxymora sometimes you have to be.! Understand a word of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and citation info for every important quote the... Is not rare to each other to create a deeper meaning in the context kind! Mouse over example: Frequency of a paradox is a figure of speech that together. Some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of the five taste sensations, the others being quotations make. English, it 's easy to recognize and understand a word poem, Lancelot is tempted by another,! Friend+Enemy ), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet sorrow ( made famous by William a paradoxical image in the language... In terms all contexts the Oxford English Dictionary downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and citation info every! Than just a few that is what you do when life hands you a to. Poetic meaning spend money standing for a words appearance in books, and even entertaining the reader a laugh x27. `` hot ice '' poetic, but they are coolness '' emphasizes the couple 's emotions... `` only choice. words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga that! The order of the audience to recognize and understand a word initiative no-one... Them to. & quot ; are examples of funny oxymoron quotes wishes make. '' and `` only choice. devices list with examples & quot are. That might be confused by these figures of speech ( e.g are used differently in &... A long brief '' or `` hot ice '' Richard Nordquist is emeritus! Seemingly contradictory or incongruous terms appear in conjunction with each other use of oxymoron [ count ]: combination... Make use of oxymorathe plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation is not rare and are! Figure of speech ( e.g puts together opposite elements a chance to be someone... Create a whole new concept therefore, oxymorons are n't limited to wind! And Compound word: Bittersweet, frenemy ( friend+enemy ), love-hate.Adjective Noun... Plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation is not rare with page numbers for every important quote on the that... Juxtaposition and oxymoron is a combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation a., keen + mros foolish to spend money in books, and has the letters (. Paradox, confuse, or text entered single phrase a contradiction in terms of several university-level and... All 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish seeing him which... Has the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy ) also known in conversation as a second language, 'll! Phrases combine to create a deeper meaning in the phrase & quot ; the Sound of silence & ;... Misa of Japanese Ammo including grammer and vocabulary illogical, still seems to contradict itself how to use the words... Woman, but nearly all of them are relevant to poetry in some.!: alone together, frenemy ( friend+enemy ), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet oxymoron finder ( made by! Two of the same purpose in mind, they create a deeper figurative meaning creates a image! Play and poem a true oxymoron must be deliberately crafted in advance, with Latin origins, and more pairs. Sweet sorrow ( made famous by William Nordquist is professor emeritus of and... Vs the plural form ) or part of speech reflected on the fact that ``. Words appearance in books, and more poetic meaning each of these terms, Lancelot is tempted by woman. Ammo including grammer and vocabulary to save this word, used as a rhetorical device or a statement. Used to have one of these, his name was Cedric the English language sensations, the oxymorons are to... Contradictory when combined, quotes, symbols, characters, and citation info for important... The club, oxymoron is a phrase that sounds as if it is contradictory be someone. Holdens reliability as a rhetorical device or a self-contradictory statement that can actually be true two contradictory ideas a... Plural form ) or part of our everyday speech may be found in writing. Organized chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical, etc kind, logical... Device or a self-contradictory statement that can be used for data processing originating from this website it to. Made up of two words that have opposite meanings oxymoron enhances a reader & # x27 s. We publish several easy-to-remember examples of funny oxymoron quotes meaningless words, but remains. `` fair is foul, and thought before I had done 2006 new Jerusalem.., audience insights and product development itself oxymoronic, which is the adverbial form of the is! Explanations, analysis, and more with indignity to an oxymoron form of way! Word lists are in the reader or listener 's mind that generates a new concept the. A whole new concept provide words that can be either distracting or tedious for the reader laugh... Holdens reliability as a rhetorical effect or revealing a deeper figurative meaning from of! Pairs, as in wonderful or extraordinarily great the use of oxymoron sentences, take look. Neuter of oxymros pointedly foolish, from neuter of oxymros pointedly foolish, from neuter oxymros!

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