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oxymoron - definition and meaning One feature of this kind of poem is its tendency to describe love as a strange mixture of pain and pleasure. Consider the oxymoron example deafening silence. If you are looking for something seriously funny that will serve as a simply brilliant example of an oxymoron, the following article provides you with a compiled oxymoron list. This next oxymoron example is about Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot's tragic love affair. to compound the power behind certain words. Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis. Two involve the palindrome, two involve the oxymoron, and one involves onomatopoeia. Season 1, Episode 1. According to Wills, Buckley has "poisoned the general currency" of the word oxymoron by using it as just a "fancier word for 'contradiction'", when he said that "an intelligent liberal is an oxymoron". Like a paradox, an oxymoron is whats known as a contradiction in terms, although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Learn all about effective imageryandwhat personification is with our expert guides. 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). Preparing totake the AP Literature test? If you're calling someone a "shrimp" meaning small or little, and then adding the adjective "jumbo," THEN it's an oxymoron. 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 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. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". Our vetted tutor database includes a range of experienced educators who can help you polish an essay for English or explain how derivatives work for Calculus. There is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form of the word. "i find nothing more depressing than optimism.". An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' This book, in which Wallace presents employees of the IRS and their spectacularly damaged lives, often dwells on the connection between tedium and pain. Keep going to discover even more. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. ), so this article explains everything you need to know. 1. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Discussed by L. Coltheart in Moira Gatens, "This opened up an oxymoron too dreadful to contemplate: affordable caviar" (, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:29, Word Ways: The Journal of Recreational Linguistics, http://snltranscripts.jt.org/75/75acarlin2.phtml, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oxymoron&oldid=1140812370, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:29. That noun combines sophos, the Greek adjective meaning wise, with its intellectual opposite mros, meaning foolish.. It comes from the Greek words osks, meaning sharp or keen, and mors meaning dull or foolish. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. Oxymorons are a favorite literary device of poets, particularly when they express complex feelings such as love and desire. If this statement is indeed false as it says, then this would actually make it true. ), so this article explains everything you need to know. 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. Nordquist, Richard. 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. Im the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons. An oxymoron is a consecutive set of words that have contradictory meanings. An oxymoron is also a noun that's defined as "a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in 'cruel kindness' or 'to make haste slowly.'" So when contradictory or opposing words are combined, that expression is an oxymoron. 60 Easy Oxymoron Examples + Analysis - PrepScholar 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. An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other. Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples, Definition and Examples of Irony (Figure of Speech). Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. 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. "faith unfaithful", "falsely true" (Tennyson),[16] 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. The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. They can enhance writing and communication in a variety of ways, including by adding dramatic effect. The first word is usually used to describe the second word in a way that contrasts with it. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. We hope you are enjoying Penlighten! These cookies do not store any personal information. 'Simile' and 'metaphor' are just the beginning. "beggarly riches" (John Donne),[14] the word nascar is an oxymoron. By that measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. Oftentimes a phrase cited as an example of an oxymoron is really just a play on words. 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. Change is the only constant - antithesis or oxymoron? For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. If you're learning English as a second language, you might be confused by these figures of speech. These 50+ oxymoron examples are listed alphabetically and arranged by category (i.e., the type of oxymoron word combination). the word nascar is an oxymoron - sadiqindustries.com the word nascar is an oxymoron - sinfinconstruction.be 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 . Well also provide you with an extensive list of oxymoronsso you can get a better feel for what oxymorons look and sound like. pleonasm, noun : the coincident use of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function. Common examples of oxymorons include cruel kindness, open secret, and jumbo shrimp . There are plenty more to be discovered! your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. This is a pairing of opposing words that contradict each other. What is the difference between oxymoron and paradox? "damn with faint praise" (Pope),[15] 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. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! the word nascar is an oxymoron. Grammarly stands with our friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine, and with all people of Ukraine. Word Play: Oxymoron | WORLD Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Saying that a picture or a scene is "painfully beautiful" calls attention to the speaker and the object of inquiry. A common oxymoron is the phrase "the same difference." 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. That makes oxymorons a serious option in, is fairly neutralit can be calm or tense, depending on the context. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? ., And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true., The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that, . The Latin praeposterus literally means in the wrong order. The prefix prae- means in front of, before, and posterus means following or behind (as in posterior). 'Rowdy' Freevee Review: Stream It or Skip It? - decider.com 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 . Note: All bold emphasis in the following quotations is my own. The defining characteristic of an oxymoron is combining words or phrases that have opposite meanings. 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.. So elements that mean great and small combine to form a noun for a place to pick up your provisions. One moose, two moose. The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. 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. Paul Fussell. If something is original,then it is not a copy. The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being salty, sour, and savory (umami). That makes oxymorons a serious option in word choice. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. The term "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron as it derives from the Greek "oxus" (sharp) and "moros" (stupid). In this sense, theuprising was simultaneously terrible (in that it led to death) and beautiful (in its romantic aspirations for independence). https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814 (accessed March 4, 2023). Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Idylls of the King, Parting is such sweet sorrow. In some languages, it is not necessary to place a conjunction like and between the two antonyms; such compounds (not necessarily of antonyms) are known as dvandvas (a term taken from Sanskrit grammar). Feeling 'bumfuzzled' or have the 'collywobbles'? SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More - Merriam-Webster Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. What Is an Oxymoron? Oxymoron | literature | Britannica Yes. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday writing or conversation: Think you havent heard of any famous oxymorons? Therefore, Salinger cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a narrator through just this figure of speech. 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. 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.". 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_15',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_16',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}. However, if you think too hard about the meaning, you'll realize that on the surface it doesn't quite make sense. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Value Added Publishing. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other. When we learn about oxymorons, bittersweet is often one of the first words given as an example. "[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). 2001 - 2023 Oxymoron.info - All rights reserved. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. How to understand - and use - English oxymorons Sophomore is the term for a student in the second year at college or a 4-year secondary school. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' Delivered to your inbox! You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. Instead, they want to be witty and show they can use words to make people laugh. 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 What Is an Oxymoron? 12 Oxymoron Examples - 2023 - MasterClass In cuisine, it describes things like dark chocolate, which is thought of as sweet but in reality contains little sugar, so has a sharper taste than regular chocolate. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. An Oxymoron is two words, or a compound word, with contradictory definitions. The word is said to be originated from the Greek words, oxy, meaning 'sharp, pointed . The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. affordable home builders cape coral, fl. Consider these oxymoron examples: I am a deeply superficial person. Andy Warhol, I distinctly remember forgetting that. Clara Barton. 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. These figures of speech can enhance a readers understanding of a concept, interpretation of a phrase, or enjoyment of language. 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! She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. the word nascar is an oxymoron. [9] tags: independent-thought , initiative , oxymoron , paradox. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. Their dramatic effect is much more powerful with sparing use. 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. 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. Jack London, The Call of the Wild, All the pain he had endured was as nothing compared with the exquisite agony of this., The bookful blockhead, ignorantly read, With loads of learned lumber in his head . parting is such sweet sorrow. Similarly, "choice" implies more than one option, which is contradicted by "only," which implies the opposite. You can find her byline on pieces about grammar, fun facts, the meanings of various head-scratching words and phrases, and more. The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. A simpler meaning would be that, it is a set of consecutive words that express conflicting meanings. 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. An oxymoron is a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. Also, they often lead the reader to an underlying truth. [22], Similarly, the term "civil war" is sometimes jokingly referred to as an "oxymoron" (punning on the lexical meanings of the word "civil"). 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. For some of these examples, the oxymorons are linked to two phrases within the sentence rather than a single phrase. 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. It even proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. "wise-foolish"). (see what we did there? Next, read up on what an aphorism is and how its used. 11 October 1975. in a unique way thats particularly expressive. We recommend our users to update the browser. But in some instances, a single word is all it takes. Need more help with this topic? An oxymoronis a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. "melancholy merriment" (Byron), Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. 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. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that places contradictory terms next to each other in a word or phrase. The scholarship instructions state that I should submit an, I asked Steve to go to the dance with me. 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. Oxymorons are similar to such other devices as paradox and antithesis and are often used in poetry and other literature. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! The humour derives from implying that an assumption (which might otherwise be expected to be controversial or at least non-evident) is so obvious as to be part of the lexicon. It might sound like a schoolyard insult, but its not. The word "oxymoron" is an oxymoron itself and derives from the . Our word piano, referring to the instrument, is short for pianoforte; the full Italian name of the instrument is gravicembalo col piano e forteliterally, harpsichord with soft and loud, due to the fact that its tones could be varied in loudness. single word requests - What's the opposite of "oxymoron"? - English This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This list is in no way comprehensive, and just aims at giving you an idea as to what oxymora are. And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true. 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). What Is an Oxymoron? - AuthorMAG Thenyou'll need to knowwhat to expect on exam day, including what kinds of questions you'll be asked and how much time you'll have. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. A Huge List of Oxymorons to Help You Understand the Concept But pairing it with deafening gives silence a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. The Greek expression "to oxymoron" refers, literally, to the "acutely mad". n, -mor- / grammar a phrase or statement that seems to say two opposite things, as in " jumbo shrimp " and " agree to disagree " (Definition of oxymoron from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary Cambridge University Press) Examples of oxymoron oxymoron 309 likes. Oxymoronically is the adverbial form of the word. Indeed, oxymorons are often used to make fun of an idea, person, or . Mom, and True Lies.. However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. "proud humility" (Spenser),[13] Check out the oxymoron definition. the word nascar is an oxymoron. Now that weve gone over what an oxymoron is, lets take a closer look at four famous oxymoron examples in sentences to better understand how this literary device actually works. But pairing it with, a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. However, as there are so many, you might not catch them all. 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. Think jumbo shrimp. Oxymoron - Definition and Examples | LitCharts What is An Oxymoron? | The Word Counter the word nascar is an oxymoron - digitalidentityorganization.com A paradox is a term that presents a situation where two events seem unlikely to coexist. Oxymorons are not meant to be taken literally. 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. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader. As rhetorical devices, oxymorons have been used in many different mediums from political speeches to novels to stage plays. by William Shakespeare, wherein combining things that contrast is an ongoing theme.) Nothing else. Well go over exactly what an oxymoron is and then show you four oxymoron examples from pop culture and literature. 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.. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxymoron. Smiles are rarely associated with pain. Who are you? The word is said to be originated from the Greek words, oxy, meaning sharp, pointed and moron, moros that meant dull or foolish. where do you file a complaint against a hospital; failure to pay full time and attention va code; bones angela and hodgins in jail; mirabella svadobny salon dubnica nad vahom However, others can be intentional: For instance, in the phrase deafening silence, the seeming contradiction only serves to emphasize the intensity of the silence.