These cookies do not store any personal information. An oxymoron refers to a word, phrase, or use of language that seems to directly contradict itself, and it is believed to come from the Greek ox(s), sharp, andmrs, dull. So the word for oxymoron actuallyisan oxymoron in Greek! "delighted sorrow", "loyal treachery", "scalding coolness" (Hemingway).[18]. your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are certainly more than just a few. Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: With loads of learned lumber in his head . Oxymorons in the narrow sense are a rhetorical device used deliberately by the speaker, and intended to be understood as such by the listener. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. . ThoughtCo. [1][2] A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. , 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. One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More | Merriam-Webster Est. 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). But pairing it with deafening gives silence a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. Rather, an oxymoron is a cool literary device you can use in your creative writing. . An Oxymoron is two words, or a compound word, with contradictory definitions. The combining form oxy- is present in the word oxygen. Usually, oxymorons are made up of just two words, but paradoxes are complete sentences, sometimes entire paragraphs. 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. From 5th century Latin oxymoron, from Ancient Greek (oxus, "sharp") (English oxy-, as in oxygen) + (mros, "dull") (English moron ("stupid person")).Literally "sharp-dull", itself an oxymoron, hence autological; compare sophomore (literally "wise fool"), influenced by similar analysis.The compound form * (oxumron) is not found in the extant Greek . Oxymoron is a word that describes an expression of two contradictory thoughts, words, or phrases. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, A damned saint, an honorable villain! You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. That makes oxymorons a serious option in, is fairly neutralit can be calm or tense, depending on the context. Well go over exactly what an oxymoron is and then show you four oxymoron examples from pop culture and literature. 1828 Words at Play Internal Conflict: The One-Word Oxymoron When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. 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. Or plastic silverware. Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. "with the hinder part before", compare hysteron proteron, "upside-down", "head over heels", "ass-backwards" etc. 'when they are silent, they cry out'), In other words, oxymorons are contradictive words or phrases used intentionally to create an effect. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas Oxymorons are often used in everyday conversation and ina breadth of writing, such as literature, poetry, and songwriting. PDF. Sophomore is the term for a student in the second year at college or a 4-year secondary school. In this scene, Juliet utters the phrase "sweet sorrow" to describe the feeling she has when having to say goodbye to Romeo. And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true. It involves pairing words that imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to create a deeper meaning in the context. Who are you? The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being salty, sour, and savory (umami). Indeed, oxymorons are often used to make fun of an idea, person, or . As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. [9] 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. However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. If you're calling someone a "shrimp" meaning small or little, and then adding the adjective "jumbo," THEN it's an oxymoron. the word nascar is an oxymoron. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. (see what we did there? However, its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". The best oxymorons emphasize contrasts, incongruities or the complex nature of reality. However, you may come across many such examples that need verbal interpretations and deep understanding. 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. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! Privacy Policy. In other words, oxymorons are contradictive words or phrases used intentionally to create an effect. Instead, they want to be witty and show they can use words to make people laugh. Learn a new word every day. the word nascar is an oxymoron. 'Simile' and 'metaphor' are just the beginning. I can resist anything but temptation. We recommend our users to update the browser. doug lamborn voting record June 23, 2022 the word nascar is an oxymoron This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. My play was a complete success. It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. Below, we provide you with an extensive list of oxymorons. Exactly! It makes more sense when you read the thrift in spendthrift as a noun that can refer to the savings that one has accumulated through the careful management of money. Consider the common oxymorons and think about times they may have been included in conversations you have had. Together, these words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga behavior that is generally associated with indignity. But pairing it with, a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. 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. There are quite a few in just the first three letters. 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. Learn a new word every day. 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. Generally, the ideas will come astwo separate words placed side by side. Consider these paradox examples: You have to spend money to make money. Well also provide you with an extensive list of oxymoronsso you can get a better feel for what oxymorons look and sound like. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. What is an oxymoron? Superette might not strike you as the most obvious oxymoron. cabarrus county sheriff's office directory . 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. "darkness visible" (Milton), These word pairs, though actually opposite in meaning, are put together so that the meaning that they are trying to put forward is emphasized. 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. And then an interesting thing happens with superette. With good, and bad, and worse, alike prolific, Too much of one sort would be soporific;. 309 likes. In this sense, theuprising was simultaneously terrible (in that it led to death) and beautiful (in its romantic aspirations for independence). Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday writing or conversation: Think you havent heard of any famous oxymorons? This presents the word silence in a unique way thats particularly expressive. oxymoron: 1 n conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence') Type of: figure , figure of speech , image , trope language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. He was very warmly thanked both by mother and daughter; to escape a little from the latter, he went to the pianoforte, and begged Miss Fairfax, who was still sitting at it, to play something more. That noun combines sophos, the Greek adjective meaning wise, with its intellectual opposite mros, meaning foolish.. You might say that they juxtapose each other, which means, when placed close together, they create an. The scholarship instructions state that I should submit an, I asked Steve to go to the dance with me. However, with an oxymoron the incongruous word pairing conveys a truth or a dramatic result. Find 52 ways to say OXYMORON, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? The word follows an earlier obsolete noun dingthrift, with ding meaning to deal blows to, knock down, or beat., We couldnt have a list of oxymorons without mentioning oxymoron itself. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. So how did we arrive at spendthrift for a word for someone who spends money wastefully? If something is original,then it is not a copy. Awfully good, bittersweet, same difference, and original copy are a few oxymoron examples. Lederer (1990), in the spirit of "recreational linguistics", goes as far as to construct "logological oxymorons"[jargon] such as reading the word nook composed of "no" and "ok" or the surname Noyes as composed of "no" plus "yes", or far-fetched punning such as "divorce court", "U.S. Army Intelligence" or "press release". Oxymorons aren't limited to the first few letters of the alphabet. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. . "beggarly riches" (John Donne),[14] It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The defining characteristic of an oxymoron is combining words or phrases that have opposite meanings. This love feel I, that feel no love in this. Grammarly helps you communicate confidently. If this statement is indeed false as it says, then this would actually make it true. Supermarket was coined by adding the prefix super- (higher in quantity, quality, or degree) to the noun market for a large store that carried a vast assortment of groceries and other household goods. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader. The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. Not monosyllabic or one word, but I came upon an "oxymoron that isn't" in a book I am reading, The Pale King, David Foster Wallace (posthumous): "spectacularly dull."It turns out this phrase is pretty common. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms think "deafening silence," "wise fool" or "cruel kindness.". 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? The pairing, while apparently paradoxical . "[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). Season 1, Episode 1. Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: All the pain he had endured was as nothing compared with the exquisite agony of this. 2023. Lord Byron, Don Juan: Canto VIII, His honour rooted in dishonour stood, In turn, if something is acopy,then it is not original. Posted at 14:06h in does jetblue have power outlets by white stuff on frozen chicken. | 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 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.".

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