Consider the oxymoron example deafening silence. The word oxymoron is an ancient Greek word, which translates most closely to something like sharply dull or cleverly stupid. In other words, the oxymoron definition is itself an oxymoron. This oxymoron is symbolic of the human condition as reflected in the poets mention of our human lot. In addition, this oxymoron supports and complements the balance of oppositions featured in the rest of the poems structure, such as good and bad, without or with, and friends or foes. Generally, the ideas will come as two separate words placed side by side. Preparing totake the AP Literature test? Need more help with this topic? However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldnt be used as a proper oxymoron. 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 term "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron as it derives from the Greek "oxus" (sharp) and "moros" (stupid). However, a bone may seem juicy to a dog that is salivating at the thought of chewing it. These 50+ oxymoron examples are listed alphabetically and arranged by category (i.e., the type of oxymoron word combination). pleonasm, noun : the coincident use of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function. They are "word searches" and matching puzzles. Think jumbo shrimp. The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. You can find her byline on pieces about grammar, fun facts, the meanings of various head-scratching words and phrases, and more. (2021, February 16). Ask below and we'll reply! An oxymoron is a term in which two contradictory terms are combined. But in some instances, a single word is all it takes. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. As rhetorical devices, oxymorons have been used in many different mediums from political speeches to novels to stage plays. This list is in no way comprehensive, and just aims at giving you an idea as to what oxymora are. "damn with faint praise" (Pope),[15] 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. The plural of "oxymoron" is "oxymorons" or "oxymora," but "oxymorons" is far more popular [ evidence ]. 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 word nascar is an oxymoron. 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. Wills argues that use of the term "oxymoron" should remain reserved for the conscious use of contradiction to express something that is "surprisingly true". Often, you come across words that are paired together, but maybe completely contradictory in meaning. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. The scholarship instructions state that I should submit an, I asked Steve to go to the dance with me. One feature of this kind of poem is its tendency to describe love as a strange mixture of pain and pleasure. insertListLink('Huge List of Oxymoron Examples', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). The violent display ultimately led to thousands of deaths and injuries. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. )[10] or sopho-more (an artificial Greek compound, lit. We already gave an oxymoron definition above, so here lets talk about paradoxes. It might sound like a schoolyard insult, but its not. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. As a literary device, it is used to make certain word combinations more thought-provoking to stand out. 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}. (Old news, anyone?) The Greek expression "to oxymoron" refers, literally, to the "acutely mad". It involves pairing words that imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to create a deeper meaning in the context. What is an Oxymoron? || Definition & Examples | | College of Liberal Oxymoron Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Banksy, Wall and Piece. Some oxymorons are accidental and/or so common in our speech that we dont realize that theyre totally contradictory. 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". What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. One moose, two moose. 4 Answers. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. 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. Change is the only constant - antithesis or oxymoron? Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression: insertListLink('Huge List of Oxymoron Examples', 2, 2, 'shortexamples'). 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. As a rhetorical device, an oxymoron illustrates a point to communicate and reveal a paradox. Take a look at which ones you have used in conversation: 1481-82). Grammarly helps you communicate confidently The other two oxymorons emphasize the fact that no matter what happensfor example,no matter how sad or defeated the speaker might feelthere willalways be a silver lining in that he'swith the love of his life. . But pairing it with deafening gives silence a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. ", Oxymorons have been used since the days of the ancient Greek poets. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. Thus, as the oxymoron suggests, this scene ishappy since Juliet and Romeo are in love, yet it's also sad because they must say goodbyeand cannot stay together through the night. What is the difference between oxymoron and paradox? The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. 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. Oxymoron - Wikiquote 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. Similarly, "choice" implies more than one option, which is contradicted by "only," which implies the opposite. Oxymoron is a word that describes an expression of two contradictory thoughts, words, or phrases. jumbo shrimp - Oxymoron List "hateful good" (Chaucer, translating odibile bonum)[12] Meghan graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2017; her creative nonfiction piece Anticipation was published in the Spring 2017 issue of Angles literary magazine. Oxymoron - Definition and Examples | LitCharts 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. However, the terms are also complementary as a pair. Oxymorons have been used for millennia. Consider these oxymoron examples: I am a deeply superficial person. Andy Warhol, I distinctly remember forgetting that. Clara Barton. Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. Learn a new word every day. Grammarly stands with our friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine, and with all people of Ukraine. 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 . Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. That noun combines sophos, the Greek adjective meaning wise, with its intellectual opposite mros, meaning foolish.. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. What Is an Oxymoron? Oxymoronic is the adjectival form of oxymoron. What Is an Oxymoron? Definition and Examples | Grammarly The phrasedaily night certainly features contrary wording. In turn, if something is acopy,then it is not original. Superette might not strike you as the most obvious oxymoron. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. You can use dozens of filters and search criteria to find the perfect person for your needs. nt authority local system. 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. RELATED: Palindrome Examples: Words and Phrases That Are the Same Backwards and Forwards, RELATED: The Most Confusing Rules in the Grammar World, RELATED:The Best-Ever Hyperbole Examples, RELATED: Pangram Examples Every Word Lover Will Appreciate. "beggarly riches" (John Donne),[14] 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. Oxymorons also feature in modern comedy and politics. There are quite a few in just the first three letters. The lyrics of this powerful piano ballad make use of several oxymorons. How to use each word. Who are you? Oxymoron | literature | Britannica This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. An Oxymoron is two words, or a compound word, with contradictory definitions. https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814 (accessed March 4, 2023). The main topic of this poem is the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, an event during whichnumerous Irish nationalists rebelled against the British government in Ireland. Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. One goose, two geese. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We provide informative and helpful articles about the newest fiction and nonfiction books on the market that you can come back to again and again when you have the urge for a new book to dig into. 50 Examples of Oxymorons - ProWritingAid 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. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes. A spendthrift, thereore, is a person who foolishly squanders those savings. They can enhance writing and communication in a variety of ways, including by adding dramatic effect. | 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 brennan boesch career earnings cameron boyce funeral cameron boyce funeral Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. Check out the funniest accidental, and intentional, malapropism examples as well. How every letter can be (annoyingly) silent, Helping you navigate the linguistic road ahead. 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. Terrific has positive connotations, as in wonderful or extraordinarily great. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is whats known as a contradiction in terms, although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. Common examples of oxymorons include cruel kindness, open secret, and jumbo shrimp . Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. 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.. Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples, Definition and Examples of Irony (Figure of Speech). Oxymoron is also a literary device, but is considered a condensed paradox. oxymoron definition: 1. two words or phrases used together that have, or seem to have, opposite meanings: 2. two words. 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. 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. Urban Dictionary: Oxymoron (see what we did there? and Oxymorons combine contradictory words, but paradoxes combine contradictory ideas. 26 Funny Oxymoron Examples | Oxymorons in Everyday Life, Pop Culture The word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron; in Greek, oxy- means "sharp" or "wise," while moros means "foolish." Is an oxymoron always 2 words? 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. But once you become fluent in English, it's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they are. A simpler meaning would be that, it is a set of consecutive words that express conflicting meanings. A Huge List of Oxymorons to Help You Understand the Concept Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! 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. single word requests - What's the opposite of "oxymoron"? - English Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. The dictionary defines an oxymoron as a wittily paradoxical turn of phrase that appeals to unconscious responses instead of rational examinations. 67 Stupidly Brilliant (& Seriously Fun) Oxymoron Examples - Smart Blogger Website, Richard Nordquist defines oxymorons as a literary device used by writers and poets for centuries "to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities.". The N Word is a figure of speech - a racist and hateful figure of speech. ., And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true., The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that, . The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. 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. 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. This presents the word silence in a unique way thats particularly expressive. The best way to make money is to spend money. Now, don't let your brain start to hurt just yetup next, we take a look at oxymoron examples in sentences from literature and pop culture. 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. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. This contradiction is also known as a paradox. What is an oxymoron? Oxymoron is an effective literary device. So elements that mean great and small combine to form a noun for a place to pick up your provisions. The distinction between the two is clear (now). 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. They add flavour to speech and can also be cynical, sarcastic, or witty and used for comic effect or relief. Well also provide you with an extensive list of oxymoronsso you can get a better feel for what oxymorons look and sound like. to compound the power behind certain words. Yes! Feeling 'bumfuzzled' or have the 'collywobbles'? Who Are The Most Romantic Literary Figures of All Time? Oxymoron - The Complete Oxymoron List - Oxymoron.info O loving hate!"). [19], "Comical oxymoron" is a term for the claim, for comical effect, that a certain phrase or expression is an oxymoron (called "opinion oxymorons" by Lederer (1990)[9]). Oftentimes a phrase cited as an example of an oxymoron is really just a play on words. "darkness visible" (Milton), OXYMORON Synonyms: 52 Synonyms & Antonyms for OXYMORON | Thesaurus.com The suggestion is that after a year into high school or college, a sophomore might think they know everything there is to know, but really has a long way to go. What is An Oxymoron? | The Word Counter A paradox is a term that presents a situation where two events seem unlikely to coexist. By extension, oxymorons deal with the contrast between the meanings of words, but paradoxes focus on the contrast between complete ideas. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." How to understand - and use - English oxymorons 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). A paradox is a statement that technically contradicts itself but remains true nonetheless. "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp, pointed" (from PIE root *ak- "be sharp, rise (out) to a point, pierce") + mros "stupid" (see moron ). Amplification Definition and Examples in Rhetoric, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. [9] Oxymorons is now more common in print than oxymora, but you'll find the latter listed in most dictionaries. Why do we use oxymorons? - Wylie Communications, Inc. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' These word pairs, though actually opposite in meaning, are put together so that the meaning that they are trying to put forward is emphasized. 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.