June 3, 2022 . . oxymoron definition: 1. two words or phrases used together that have, or seem to have, opposite meanings: 2. two words. For nearly 40 years . One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". Oxymorons can be clearly confusing (see what we did there? The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. 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. juni 14, 2022; Posted by synology broadcast storm; 14 . Consider these paradox examples: You have to spend money to make money. The word "oxymoron" is derived from Greek a combination of oxy- meaning keen or sharp and -mrs meaning dull or foolish. "darkness visible" (Milton), What Is an Oxymoron? 12 Oxymoron Examples - 2023 - MasterClass Ask below and we'll reply! ), so this article explains everything you need to know. Generally, an oxymoron phrase is a . 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! For example, if a character is described as a man child, this oxymoron calls up a humorous image of a child that looks like a man or vice-versa. Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way. josh brener commercial. What is An Oxymoron? | The Word Counter 50 Examples of Oxymorons - ProWritingAid An oxymoron is a literary device that juxtaposes contradictory terms. A person who is thrifty does not like to spend money. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Palindromes For Middle School Teaching Resources | TPT It is often composed of an adjective and a noun that are not usually seen together, juxtaposed in a startling way. 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, There are plenty more to be discovered! Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. 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 Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Delivered to your inbox! Are you Nobody too? (, Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. (, Vidia was complicated, two fairies in one, a loyal traitor. (Gail Carson Levine). Note: All bold emphasis in the following quotations is my own. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms think "deafening silence," "wise fool" or "cruel kindness.". However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. 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. (One, in particular, is in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, wherein combining things that contrast is an ongoing theme.) Or plastic silverware. 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. "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". (Old news, anyone?) 6 Critically Acclaimed Female Authors You Should Read Before You Die, These Favorite Childrens Book Quotes Will Take You Back In Time, Survival Books Fiction: 5 Fascinating Tales to Read in 2021, Must Read Fiction Books: 5 Essential Literature Classics, Non Fiction War Books: 5 Essential True Stories About War and Peace, Fiction Books for 2nd Graders: 5 Essentials to Add to your Shelves. An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' the word nascar is an oxymoron. Nothing else. The best way to make money is to spend money. Saying that a picture or a scene is "painfully beautiful" calls attention to the speaker and the object of inquiry. Then check out our in-depth guide to the 31 literary devices you must know. This book, in which Wallace presents employees of the IRS and their spectacularly damaged lives, often dwells on the connection between tedium and pain. Paradox vs. Oxymoron: What's The Difference? | Dictionary.com 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. 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. But pairing it with, a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More - Merriam-Webster What Is An Oxymoron? Definition & Examples Of This Writing Technique Below, we provide you with an extensive list of oxymorons. "[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). Who Are The Most Romantic Literary Figures of All Time? Consider the common oxymorons and think about times they may have been included in conversations you have had. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' Accessed 4 Mar. Common examples of oxymorons include cruel kindness, open secret, and jumbo shrimp . From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(360031, '21006efe-96ea-47ea-9553-204221f7f333', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. the word nascar is an oxymoron - quickfundinggroup.com Oftentimes a phrase cited as an example of an oxymoron is really just a play on words. Value Added Publishing. 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. That makes oxymorons a serious option in word choice. The Greek compound word oksmron, which would correspond to the Latin formation, does not seem to appear in any known Ancient Greek works prior to the formation of the Latin term.[8]. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Single-Word and Compound Word: Bittersweet, frenemy (friend+enemy), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet sorrow (made famous by William . One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More | Merriam-Webster Est. ThoughtCo. Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. What is an Oxymoron? || Definition & Examples | | College of Liberal 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. Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox! and https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814 (accessed March 4, 2023). They add flavour to speech and can also be cynical, sarcastic, or witty and used for comic effect or relief. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, A damned saint, an honorable villain! Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech: People are often confused by the difference between oxymoron and paradox. Oxymorons are common, often unconscious, literary devices. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression: insertListLink('Huge List of Oxymoron Examples', 2, 2, 'shortexamples'). One moose, two moose. In this scene, Juliet utters the phrase "sweet sorrow" to describe the feeling she has when having to say goodbye to Romeo. There are quite a few in just the first three letters. This list is in no way comprehensive, and just aims at giving you an idea as to what oxymora are. ), so this article explains everything you need to know. The most common form of oxymoron involves an adjectivenoun combination of two words, but they can also be devised in the meaning of sentences or phrases. O loving hate! Oxymoron - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com However, the terms are also complementary as a pair. the word nascar is an oxymoron. But in some instances, a single word is all it takes. Learn more. What Is an Oxymoron? It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. the word nascar is an oxymoron - digitalidentityorganization.com [23], Other examples include "honest politician", "act naturally", "affordable caviar" (1993),[24] "happily married" and "Microsoft Works" (2000).[25]. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. It might sound like a schoolyard insult, but its not. 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. PDF. However, you may come across many such examples that need verbal interpretations and deep understanding. An oxymoron is a combination of words, typically just two words, with contradictory meanings. 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. A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. [22], Similarly, the term "civil war" is sometimes jokingly referred to as an "oxymoron" (punning on the lexical meanings of the word "civil"). Well also provide you with an extensive list of oxymoronsso you can get a better feel for what oxymorons look and sound like. O loving hate! 1828 Words at Play Internal Conflict: The One-Word Oxymoron When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. Keep going to discover even more. 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. 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 . Rather, an oxymoron is a cool literary device you can use in your creative writing. What is the difference between oxymoron and paradox? | 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 Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. 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. marekuliasz / iStock / Getty Images Plus. William Shakespeare was known to sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and sonnets. Lord Byron, Don Juan: Canto VIII, His honour rooted in dishonour stood, Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. 2023. What Is an Oxymoron? Definition and Examples | Grammarly Oxymorons are often used in everyday conversation and ina breadth of writing, such as literature, poetry, and songwriting. What is an Oxymoron? Definition, Examples of Oxymoron in Literature Superette might not strike you as the most obvious oxymoron. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Nordquist also notes that, "In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm.". Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism, Of melancholy merriment, to quote. insertListLink('Huge List of Oxymoron Examples', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective followed by a noun with contrasting meanings. affordable home builders cape coral, fl. 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. 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. 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. In many cases they are obvious. 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.) 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. What is an oxymoron? One feature of this kind of poem is its tendency to describe love as a strange mixture of pain and pleasure. Giant list of oxymorons - The Search Resource Oxymorons is now more common in print than oxymora, but you'll find the latter listed in most dictionaries. Yes. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxymoron. Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. The word 'big' is added to emphasise the fact that someone is acting more childishly than you would expect. 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. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. Preparing totake the AP Literature test? ., And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true., The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that, . 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.". Learn a new word every day. oxymoron - definition and meaning What are examples of oxymoron? See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis. Funny Oxymorons - Funny Jokes Feeling 'bumfuzzled' or have the 'collywobbles'? 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 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 The phrasedaily night certainly features contrary wording. Their dramatic effect is much more powerful with sparing use. When someone says a phrase such as "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. An oxymoron is a consecutive set of words that have contradictory meanings. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. This contradiction is also known as a paradox.
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