Learn all about effective imageryandwhat personification is with our expert guides. 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". Nordquist also notes that, "In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm.". Oxymorons are common in everyday speech. It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. Oxymorons aren't limited to the first few letters of the alphabet. Consider the oxymoron example deafening silence. oxymoron definition: 1. two words or phrases used together that have, or seem to have, opposite meanings: 2. two words. The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. We use oxymorons because they make effective titles in literature or film, and add dramatic effect, for example, Dead Man Walking, Mr. matthew wilson obituary gan lstm time series github mayo clinic scottsdale patient portal. 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). Even though the two words are often antonyms (words with opposite meanings), they don't negate each other. Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. The most commonly-used example of an oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp,' as a shrimp is small by definition and therefore cannot be jumbo. Think jumbo shrimp. oxymoron, noun : a combination for epigrammatic effect of contradictory or incongruous words. 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. Oxymorons can be clearly confusing (see what we did there? Slow and steady wins the race. A Comprehensive Guide. Are you still searching for the perfect oxymoron? What ACT target score should you be aiming for? 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.". Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. So elements that mean great and small combine to form a noun for a place to pick up your provisions. 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. Oxymoron is also a literary device, but is considered a condensed paradox. Consider these oxymoron examples: I am a deeply superficial person. Andy Warhol, I distinctly remember forgetting that. Clara Barton. It might sound like a schoolyard insult, but its not. 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. She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. This contradiction is also known as a paradox. Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. As a literary device, it is used to make certain word combinations more thought-provoking to stand out. The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. The N Word is a figure of speech - a racist and hateful figure of speech. The pairing, while apparently paradoxical . Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox! Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. One moose, two moose. J. R. R. Tolkien interpreted his own surname as derived from the Low German equivalent of dull-keen (High German toll-khn) which would be a literal equivalent of Greek oxy-moron. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. Oxymoron, , Acutifatuum aut stulte acutum, subtilly foolish; derived from , [oxy] acumen, sharpnesse of wit, and , [moros] stultus, a fool. The phrase original copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron. There are oxymorons throughout the alphabet, from "a" to "z." the word nascar is an oxymoron. But pairing it with, a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. It may seem illogical or unrealistic, but, upon reflection, its based in reality and stems from valid reasoning. ", Oxymorons have been used since the days of the ancient Greek poets. 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. that juxtaposes contradictory terms. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? . Oxymorons present an ideal opportunity to be clever or funny. the word nascar is an oxymoron. 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. Here's an example from Francesco Petrarch, the creator of the form: You might say that they juxtapose each other, which means, when placed close together, they create an. Well also provide you with an extensive list of oxymoronsso you can get a better feel for what oxymorons look and sound like. Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. An oxymoron is a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. In other words, oxymorons are contradictive words or phrases used intentionally to create an effect. Oxymorons are a favorite literary device of poets, particularly when they express complex feelings such as love and desire. Who Are The Most Romantic Literary Figures of All Time? He enjoyed writing things that weren't meant to be taken literally, simply pondered upon. 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. Crustacean. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! [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]). - Contact Us - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions, Definition and Examples of Literary Terms, Little Bighorn Battlefield (national monument in Montana), CatDog (American animated television series), Big Little Lies (book by Liane Moriarty, adapted into television series for HBO), Quotes from a Devout Atheist (compilation book of Richard Dawkins quotes), Waking Dream (American documentary film), You cant have more types of fake news than real news. (Elon Musk), Im nobody! An oxymoron is a literary device combining oppositional words to create a unique word or phrase. 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. A crisis is defined as a time of serious difficulty or importance. However, she lovingly anticipates seeing him again which is a pleasant feeling. "melancholy merriment" (Byron), Note: All bold emphasis in the following quotations is my own. Similarly, "choice" implies more than one option, which is contradicted by "only," which implies the opposite. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. This presents the word silence in a unique way thats particularly expressive. He gave me a. Katie McCabe, TimeOut London, 20 Apr. tags: independent-thought , initiative , oxymoron , paradox. Terrific has positive connotations, as in wonderful or extraordinarily great. There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Approaching the end of the alphabet, there are still more oxymorons to explore. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! One feature of this kind of poem is its tendency to describe love as a strange mixture of pain and pleasure. In turn, if something is acopy,then it is not original. They add flavour to speech and can also be cynical, sarcastic, or witty and used for comic effect or relief. 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]. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms think "deafening silence," "wise fool" or "cruel kindness.". [7] The word oxymoron is autological, i.e. If this statement is indeed false as it says, then this would actually make it true. The word is said to be originated from the Greek words, oxy, meaning 'sharp, pointed . The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. Check out the oxymoron definition. Value Added Publishing. Single-Word and Compound Word: Bittersweet, frenemy (friend+enemy), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet sorrow (made famous by William . 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.) . However, as there are so many, you might not catch them all. "delighted sorrow", "loyal treachery", "scalding coolness" (Hemingway).[18]. (One, in particular, is in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, wherein combining things that contrast is an ongoing theme.) Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. So how did we arrive at spendthrift for a word for someone who spends money wastefully? 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. Want to learn more about figures of speech, besides oxymorons and paradoxes? (One, in particular, is in. 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. 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. "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp, pointed" (from PIE root *ak- "be sharp, rise (out) to a point, pierce") + mros "stupid" (see moron ). Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. 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). This five puzzle package is a collection of the five puzzles that I've written on the palindrome, the oxymoron, and the onomatopoeia figures of speech. "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." 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, Send us feedback. A simpler meaning would be that, it is a set of consecutive words that express conflicting meanings. Also, mastering the oxymoron is an elegant way to weave clever wordplay into your creative writing.. An oxymoron can be a word or phrase in one of these formats: . As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. With loads of learned lumber in his head . These word pairings are not inherently opposite, but their individual concepts can seem contradictory when combined. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Oxymoronically is the adverbial form of the word. When we learn about oxymorons, bittersweet is often one of the first words given as an example. 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. 1, 'Cattywampus' and Other Funny-Sounding Words. Listing of antonyms, such as "good and evil", "male and female", "great and small", etc., does not create oxymorons, as it is not implied that any given object has the two opposing properties simultaneously. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. insertListLink('', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). The adjective sophomoric has two meanings that bring a somewhat negative connotation to sophomores: conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and immature (as in a sophomoric argument) or lacking in maturity, taste, or judgment (as in sophomoric humor). Bringing them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. Season 1, Episode 1. Rather, an oxymoron is a cool literary device you can use in your creative writing. This presents the word. Preparing totake the AP Literature test? This famous quotation from Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet contains an equally famous oxymoron. Lets get this one out of the way. However, its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device. 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. and However, others can be intentional: For instance, in the phrase deafening silence, the seeming contradiction only serves to emphasize the intensity of the silence. Grammarly helps you communicate confidently 2001 - 2023 Oxymoron.info - All rights reserved. In 1778, the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier (1743-94) proposed for the recently discovered element the name . An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two terms seem contradictory. Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. An oxymoron is a consecutive set of words that have contradictory meanings. In perhaps the most well-known oxymoron in literature, Juliet describes her feelings about Romeo leaving her presence as sweet sorrow. Shakespeares use of oxymoron indicates that Juliets sorrow and sadness at the thought that Romeo must part from her is also sweet and pleasant. 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. 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. It involves pairing words that imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to create a deeper meaning in the context. Is it starting to seem like there is an unlimited supply of oxymorons in the English language? 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. Therefore, Salinger cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a narrator through just this figure of speech. In many cases they are obvious. 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. But pairing it with deafening gives silence a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. There are a number of single-word oxymorons built from "dependent morphemes"[9] (i.e. Despite the similarities, however, oxymorons and paradoxes are two different types of literary devices, each with their own special usage. Learn a new word every day. Merriam-Webster defines an oxymoron as a rhetorical device in which a combination of contradictory or incongruous words is used in conjunction. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! Check out the oxymoron definition. June 3, 2022 . It might sound like a schoolyard insult, but it's not. My play was a complete success. (Hence you might buy vintage clothing for cheap at a thrift store.) An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp'
Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. ., And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true., The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that, . 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. Oxymorons in the narrow sense are a rhetorical device used deliberately by the speaker, and intended to be understood as such by the listener. Think jumbo shrimp. 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.. In this sense, theuprising was simultaneously terrible (in that it led to death) and beautiful (in its romantic aspirations for independence). O loving hate!"). It starts with super, which it gets from supermarket. The plural of "oxymoron" is "oxymorons" or "oxymora," but "oxymorons" is far more popular [ evidence ]. 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. 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. To save this word, you'll need to log in. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. 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. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. 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! The conservative political writer William Buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, "An intelligent liberal is an oxymoron.". But in some instances, a single word is all it takes. Many oxymora are simple to understand and interpret their hidden meaning. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health! [22], Similarly, the term "civil war" is sometimes jokingly referred to as an "oxymoron" (punning on the lexical meanings of the word "civil"). to compound the power behind certain words. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective followed by a noun with contrasting meanings. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). Oxymoronic is the adjectival form of oxymoron. The term "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron as it derives from the Greek "oxus" (sharp) and "moros" (stupid). The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. 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. This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. 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". in a unique way thats particularly expressive. Meghan Jones is a word nerd who has been writing for RD.com since 2017. However, with an oxymoron the incongruous word pairing conveys a truth or a dramatic result. Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. When someone says a phrase such as "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. 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. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. Like chiaroscuro, pianoforte is an Italian term used in the arts, combining the adjectives for soft and loud. The music direction forte-piano means loud then immediately soft.. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. "faith unfaithful", "falsely true" (Tennyson),[16] 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. If something is original,then it is not a copy. All rights reserved. The word "oxymoron" is an oxymoron itself and derives from the . O loving hate! The inherent setup of contradictory words works great for jokes and other witty statements. The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. Ask questions; get answers.