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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. By that measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor. the word nascar is an oxymoron mars 15, 2021 by 0 Comments 0 View. Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday writing or conversation: Think you havent heard of any famous oxymorons? The word is said to be originated from the Greek words, oxy, meaning 'sharp, pointed . 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 hope you are enjoying Penlighten! My play was a complete success. They also occasionally work well with. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. Smiles are rarely associated with pain. Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. All rights reserved. (One, in particular, is in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, wherein combining things that contrast is an ongoing theme.) The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? (Old news, anyone?) One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. Despite what it might sound like, noan oxymoron isnt something you can call your little brother when hes bugging you. Often, you come across words that are paired together, but maybe completely contradictory in meaning. Oxymoron is sometimes used to describe a word combination that strikes the listener as humorously contradictory, even if the speaker didn't intend it that way. O heavy lightness, serious vanity! However, with an oxymoron the incongruous word pairing conveys a truth or a dramatic result. However, the terms are also complementary as a pair. One feature of this kind of poem is its tendency to describe love as a strange mixture of pain and pleasure. Here are some of our favorite oxymoron examples. May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. 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. These word pairings are not inherently opposite, but their individual concepts can seem contradictory when combined. [20] However, others can be intentional: For instance, in the phrase deafening silence, the seeming contradiction only serves to emphasize the intensity of the silence. A simpler meaning would be that, it is a set of consecutive words that express conflicting meanings. As a rhetorical device, an oxymoron illustrates a point to communicate and reveal a paradox. Lord Byron, Don Juan: Canto VIII, His honour rooted in dishonour stood, 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. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts two words next to each other with very different meanings that end up making sense in a strange way. Many oxymora are simple to understand and interpret their hidden meaning. 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. The scope of oxymorons, however, is limited only to the scope of the individual words used. Oftentimes a phrase cited as an example of an oxymoron is really just a play on words. Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. 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". Paired together, however, they create a deeper meaning. Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. So how did we arrive at spendthrift for a word for someone who spends money wastefully? The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. Two involve the palindrome, two involve the oxymoron, and one involves onomatopoeia. It comes from the Greek words osks, meaning sharp or keen, and mors meaning dull or foolish. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. This presents the word silence in a unique way thats particularly expressive. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is whats known as a contradiction in terms, although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. If you're referring to oxymoron in plural, both oxymorons and oxymora are correct. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. An oxymoron is a term for 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. My Blog the word nascar is an oxymoron Check out the oxymoron definition. oxymoron, noun : a combination for epigrammatic effect of contradictory or incongruous 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. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. Keep going to discover even more. "with the hinder part before", compare hysteron proteron, "upside-down", "head over heels", "ass-backwards" etc. Feeling 'bumfuzzled' or have the 'collywobbles'? Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. pleonasm, noun : the coincident use of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, our in-depth guide to the 31 literary devices you must know. Posted at 14:06h in does jetblue have power outlets by white stuff on frozen chicken. 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. "melancholy merriment" (Byron), 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"). Oxymoronic is the adjectival form of oxymoron. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Hopefully, this list of oxymora has helped you understand how this figure of speech is supposed to be used. But once you become fluent in English, it's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they are. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Oxymorons can be clearly confusing (see what we did there? But if the statement is true, then it cant be false, despite the fact it claims to be! Adding "jumbo" doesn't make the . Your writing, at its best Oxymorons are often confused with paradoxesafter all, both are textbook contradictions of terms. Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. They also occasionally work well with figurative language to compound the power behind certain words. 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.) See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Oxymorons have been used for millennia. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. 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. PDF. 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." Is oxymoronic a word? Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. 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.. What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? Even though the two words are often antonyms (words with opposite meanings), they don't negate each other. 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. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. Accessed 4 Mar. "damn with faint praise" (Pope),[15] William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. 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." 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. You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. 1828 Words at Play Internal Conflict: The One-Word Oxymoron When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. 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. Delivered to your inbox! Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox! Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism, Of melancholy merriment, to quote. This excerpt from Irish poet William Butler Yeats famous poem "Easter 1916" has the prominent oxymoron "terrible beauty," which is repeated again at the end of the poem. 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. Rowdy, a new documentary on Amazon Freevee, tells the story of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch's life and career, largely focused on his chase for the 2015 Cup Series Championship. [1][2] A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. oxymoron definition: 1. two words or phrases used together that have, or seem to have, opposite meanings: 2. two words. ", Oxymorons have been used since the days of the ancient Greek poets. However, if you think too hard about the meaning, you'll realize that on the surface it doesn't quite make sense. Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! 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. However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. I can resist anything but temptation. One moose, two moose. This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that oxymorons use contradictory words whereas paradoxes use contradictory ideas. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. 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. O loving hate! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He enjoyed writing things that weren't meant to be taken literally, simply pondered upon. Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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 term in which two contradictory terms are combined. For example, if a character receives apainful smile,this creates a significant dramatic effect. Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. As a literary device, it is used to make certain word combinations more thought-provoking to stand out. An oxymoron can seem absurd yet make perfect sense at the same time. [7] The word oxymoron is autological, i.e. "darkness visible" (Milton), When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. 1. She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. They are known as oxymora, and in this article, you will find an oxymoron list, which will give you some really good and yet, funny oxymora so that you can understand the concept better. "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." Merriam-Webster defines an oxymoron as a rhetorical device in which a combination of contradictory or incongruous words is used in conjunction. Despite the similarities, however, oxymorons and paradoxes are two different types of literary devices, each with their own special usage. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. , oxymorons have a few different purposes in writing, all of which are quite useful in the right situation: Oxymorons tend to have deeper meanings and be more memorable than noncontradictory words, so they work great at key points in your writing for boosting reader engagement. A paradox is a statement that technically contradicts itself but remains true nonetheless. 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. This contradiction is also known as aparadox. The term chiaroscuro, used in Renaissance painting, refers to the transition from light to shadow across an object (such as a muscled arm) to create the perception of depth. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are certainly more than just a few. Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. How every letter can be (annoyingly) silent, Helping you navigate the linguistic road ahead. There are plenty more to be discovered! A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. The conservative political writer William Buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, "An intelligent liberal is an 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. (2021, February 16). Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. . josh brener commercial. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More | Merriam-Webster Est. Oxymorons are similar to such other devices as paradox and antithesis and are often used in poetry and other literature. Easy Examples of Oxymorons Act naturally Samuel Johnson defined it as, "a rhetorical figure in which an epithet of a quite contrary signification is added to any word or phrase creating a contradiction in terms.". If you're calling someone a "shrimp" meaning small or little, and then adding the adjective "jumbo," THEN it's an oxymoron. Shellfish. The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. Oxymorons can be clearly confusing (see what we did there? Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way. Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true. 4 Answers. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Palindrome Examples: Words and Phrases That Are the Same Backwards and Forwards, The Most Confusing Rules in the Grammar World, Pangram Examples Every Word Lover Will Appreciate, Stock Your Spring Closet with 12 Dresses Under $100, More Than 300 Words Were Just Added to Dictionary.com, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, The Sound of Silence: Song by Simon & Garfunkel, All your perfect imperfections: John Legend in his song All of Me, Clara Barton: I distinctly remember forgetting that., Isaac Bashevis Singer: We must believe in free will. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. 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. 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. The N Word is a figure of speech - a racist and hateful figure of speech. In other words, oxymorons are contradictive words or phrases used intentionally to create an effect. Note: All bold emphasis in the following quotations is my own. 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". Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Bittersweet is the word for a pleasant feeling that is nonetheless marked by sadness or regret, such as the feeling one might have upon graduating from school, where many friendships were made. For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. In literary contexts, the author does not usually signal the use of an oxymoron, but in rhetorical usage, it has become common practice to advertise the use of an oxymoron explicitly to clarify the argument, as in: In this example, "Epicurean pessimist" would be recognized as an oxymoron in any case, as the core tenet of Epicureanism is equanimity (which would preclude any sort of pessimist outlook). Need more help with this topic? Delivered to your inbox! Oxymorons present an ideal opportunity to be clever or funny. Whether bitter is really the opposite of sweet on the taste spectrum is arguable, but they are often contrasted since bitter is associated with medicines or some vegetables (like radishes) while sweet is associated with, well, sweets (candy and desserts). ., And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true., The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that, . Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. Generally, the ideas will come astwo separate words placed side by side. Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. There are oxymorons throughout the alphabet, from "a" to "z." Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. 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.". It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. That I shall say good night till it be morrow. However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldnt be used as a proper oxymoron. The phrase original copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". We have no choice., Mark Twain: It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech., Samuel Goldwyn: A verbal contract isnt worth the paper its written on.. Learn all about effective imageryandwhat personification is with our expert guides. As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. Now you can see that oxymorons add humor or drama to speech or writing, allowing you to make a funny or pointed remark. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxymoron. As rhetorical devices, oxymorons have been used in many different mediums from political speeches to novels to stage plays. This next oxymoron example is about Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot's tragic love affair. Value Added Publishing. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is whats known as a contradiction in terms, although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. [22], Similarly, the term "civil war" is sometimes jokingly referred to as an "oxymoron" (punning on the lexical meanings of the word "civil"). This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. Grammarly helps you communicate confidently They are "word searches" and matching puzzles. Consider the oxymoron example deafening silence. "beggarly riches" (John Donne),[14] According to Dictionary, the word oxymoron has been used since the 17th century and comes from the New Latin and Late Latin oxymorum, which stems from the presumed Greek oxmron and Greek oxumron which is the neuter of oxmros/oxumros and equivalent to ox, then added to the suffix mrs. Take a look at which ones you have used in conversation: "A figure of speech in which a pair of opposed or markedly contradictory terms are placed in conjunction for emphasis", "closely related to hysteron proteron, it shouldn't be, "Hosted for 33 years by the conservative intellectual William F. Buckley Jr., the show [. "Shrimp" in the sense of food is an animal. 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. We use oxymorons because they make effective titles in literature or film, and add dramatic effect, for example, Dead Man Walking, Mr. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. (see what we did there? Or plastic silverware. no longer a productive compound in English, but loaned as a compound from a different language), as with pre-posterous (lit. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. It starts with super, which it gets from supermarket. "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp, pointed" (from PIE root *ak- "be sharp, rise (out) to a point, pierce") + mros "stupid" (see moron ). The dictionary defines an oxymoron as a wittily paradoxical turn of phrase that appeals to unconscious responses instead of rational examinations. An oxymoron is a literary device that juxtaposes contradictory terms. Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective followed by a noun with contrasting meanings. 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. Oxymoron is an effective literary device. These lines come from the hit 2013 song "All of Me" recorded by John Legend. A person who is thrifty does not like to spend money. 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). ), so this article explains everything you need to know. Ask questions; get answers. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. the word nascar is an oxymoron. But pairing it with, a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. Oxymorons aren't limited to the first few letters of the alphabet. Copyright Penlighten & Buzzle.com, Inc. Old news is an everyday example of an oxymoron, as news is meant to be current. 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. . Oxymoron is also a literary device, but is considered a condensed paradox. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. the word nascar is an oxymoron the word nascar is an oxymoron. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeare's line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love!