However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. A 1995 study[1] found that junior high school students were able to recognize between 10,000-12,000 words, whereas college students were able to recognize between 12,000-17,000 words. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. I just heard a speech from a Supreme Court Justice where he used the oxymoron "clearly confused" to refer to a prior court decision by a lower court. Oxymoron. It gives you several to choose from. "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". Example: "Parting is such sweet sorrow." William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. Some additional key details about oxymorons: Here's how to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on. The most commonly-used example of an oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp,' as a shrimp is small by definition and therefore cannot be jumbo. Nordquist, Richard. Yes! Similarly, "choice" implies more than one option, which is contradicted by "only," which implies the opposite. Shakespeare has purposefully created this contradiction to capture the deeper truth of the simultaneous pain and joy of departing from a loved onehe's trying to communicate that being separated from your beloved is painful and yet, precisely because it's painful, parting reminds you of your love and joy. Listening Now you can see that oxymorons add humor or drama to speech or writing, allowing you to make a funny or pointed remark. 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons. Let's get this one out of the way. Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. One of the best known examples of oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp.' How can something be both 'jumbo' (huge) and 'shrimp' (which means small)? Night of the Living Dead: 1968 film. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Or polite meaningless words, Or have lingered awhile and said. The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. Single word searches bring you to the word page. Part of Speech: Noun. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas Vocabulary [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples oxymoronic This site is for entertainment and informational purposes only. What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? This contradiction is also known as a paradox. One of the most famous examples of the use of oxymorons is the following speech by Romeo from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: - 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 figure of speech that pairs two opposite words together. Main Page | Publishing Principles | Prefix & Suffix Chart | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service | About Me | Contact. This contradiction is also known as aparadox. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is what's known as a "contradiction in terms," although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. found missing. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. 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_12',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_13',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}. If you could not find the words you were looking for, please submit feedback or leave a comment below. Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Here the two things are compared without the use of 'as' or 'like'. By contrast, the very idea of false knowledge is an oxymoron. pleonasm, noun : the coincident use of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function. All words/letters without a dedicated page will be unscrambled. Teachers and parents! The beauty of an oxymoron is that it deliberately combines two words or ideas that contradict one another, not simply to point out how those ideas don't fit, but for the purpose of showing that a contradiction actually does make sense or reveal a deeper meaning. Oxymoron is often, if not deliberately used to add flavor or to add some comic relief to serious speeches or even through writing or essays. Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! In this poem, Lord Byron uses the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections between sadness and joy. If Holdens claim is that he is wonderful at being an untruthful person, then he casts doubt as to the truth of his own statement to the reader about being a terrific liar as well. Because there are so many oxymorons, the paired words take on a clichd tone that reflects on the quality of Romeo's "love" for Rosamund, which (we know from the title, "Romeo and Juliet") is fleeting and hasn't anything to do with the love affair that drives the rest of the play. However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldnt be used as a proper oxymoron. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in "That silence after your joke was deafening." They can be spaced out, as in, "His honor rooted in dishonor stood," which is a line from Tennyson's "Lancelot and Elaine. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Grammar Quizzes You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. Oxymoron Examples in Literature and Songs. Parts of Speech 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. However, the terms are also complementary as a pair. Starts with o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables. A good example of an oxymoron is the sound of silence. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements. A common oxymoron is the phrase "the same difference." Juxtaposition is designed to compare or contrast, while oxymorons are a type of word play that either create a new phrase or emphasize a point using two elements. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. An oxymoron is a rhetorical device in which seemingly contradictory or incongruous terms appear in conjunction with each other. 12. When we learn about oxymorons, bittersweet is often one of the first words given as an example. oxymoron. However, in popular usage oxymoron is sometimes used to mean "contradiction in terms", where the contradiction is unintentional. Therefore, oxymorons are not necessarily mistakes or errors. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. Popular @ EnglishClub: Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. Like. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeares line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love! (n.). This is a pairing of opposing words that contradict each other. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. Rhymes and sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or text entered. The couple's relationship becomes a bright spot for both of them in the midst of war, but ultimately also a source of pain and confusion for Jordan, as he struggles to balance his obligation to fight with his desire to live happily by Maria's side. paradox / oxymoron. Quick word find. Is this the tiny town from Footloose? Oxymoron examples. In turn, if something is acopy,then it is not original. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. Oxymoron enhances a reader's understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc. Phrasal Verbs List a deliberate combination of two words that seem to mean the opposite of each other, such as 'cruel kindness'. That I shall say good night till it be morrow. In each example, the oxymoron is underlined. For most words, familiarity with said word is independent of count (e.g. Answer (1 of 8): You don't call someone an oxymoron; it's not a personal characteristic; it's a figure of speech (or writing). The distinction between the two is clear (now). The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being . An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two words of opposite meaning are used together. 1. conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence'). pronounced: ox-ee-MOR-on | plural: oxymora, oxymorons. Are you still searching for the perfect oxymoron? You can learn Japanese online and free with Misa of Japanese Ammo including grammer and vocabulary. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader. Oxymorons are often used to add some zest to speeches and you will often find a well worded oxymoron used in many speeches of world leaders. Some of the greatest truths lie in contradiction, and oxymoron is one of the best figures of speech for expressing contradiction. Solving word puzzles using an underscore or dash ( Example: _a_t_i_a ). 2023 LoveToKnow Media. What is next, Michael? Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Get a quick-reference PDF with concise definitions of all 136 Lit Terms we cover. "Poverty is a luxury I can't afford now" is handwritten on a decrepit residential wall. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. Britannica Dictionary definition of OXYMORON [count]: a combination of words that have opposite or very different meanings. 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. a deafening silence. This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. The oxymoron makes literary language more meaningful and intensifies its emotional impact by disclosing the unity of opposites and of life's seeming contradictions [examples of oxymoron in italics]: When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. In some rare cases, however, a common word may have multiple meanings including a meaning so infrequent it is not well known. However, while it's possible to argue that "business ethics" is a contradiction in terms, the phrase is not an oxymoron. Send us feedback. Parts of Speech Quiz, Search - Home - AboutPrivacy - Terms - Contact - Permissions However, an oxymoron is more specific than a contradiction in terms: it must be crafted intentionally in order to suggest that two contradictory ideas go together because their unlikely combination reveals a deeper truth. Analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as to how the use of the word may affect readability metrics. Oxymorons also feature in modern comedy and politics. Science fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic. Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. With good, and bad, and worse, alike prolific, Too much of one sort would be soporific;. We then calculate word frequency using the data from Project Gutenberg which is a large collection of freely available english documents and summing the counts for all variations of the word corresponding to the same stem. 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. Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis. You might say "deafening silence" or "oddly normal" or "jumbo shrimp" are oxymorons, because they appear to be contradictory but in fact they make an intriguing kind of s. Overall, as a literary device, oxymoron functions as a means of getting the readers attention through the pairing of opposing or contradictory words. Use of any trademarks on You Go Words is for informational purposes only and citing sources of information where appropriate. Seeing these oxymoron examples used in the context of sentences may provide a better idea of how and why they're used. 12 Basic Tenses starts with a vowel and ends in a consonant, 8 letters, 5 consonants, 3 vowels, 4 syllables, unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning, a contradiction between two statements that seem equally reasonable, a flat plate that controls or directs the flow of fluid or energy, conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence''), a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating, a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture), language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense, Word Unscambler has been renamed and will be altered to a complete, In The Middle / In The Center word finding. An oxymoron is a phrase that sounds as if it is contradictory. Late Greek oxymron, from neuter of oxymros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mros foolish. Barking is a word that indicates sound. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. Indicates irony and creates humor in a work. Examples: Deafening silence, organized chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical, etc. An oxymoron is a combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning. WH- Question Words Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. Some typical oxymorons are: a living death. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that deliberately uses two contradictory ideas. The best way to make money is to spend money. There are plenty more to be discovered! The English word oxymoron comes from the Greek words "oxy," meaning sharp or keen, and "moros," meaning foolish. ( Technology, Education, Science, Psychology, etc. Nabokov's novel Ada tells the story of Van and Ada, a sister and brother who meet as teenagers and fall in love, believing that they are cousins. 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 device is often used for emphasis, for humor, to create tension, or to illustrate a paradox (see next entry for more information on paradoxes). Part of Speech: Noun. Shakespeare used a great many oxymorons in his plays. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). Google answer: MORON is (obsolete) a person of borderline intelligence in the former classification of mental retardation, having of an intelligence quotient of 50-69 while OXYMORON is a figure of speech in which two words with opposing meanings are used together intentionally for effect. One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole. Historically, an oxymoron was "a paradox with a point", [6] or "pointedly foolish: a witty saying, the more pointed from being paradoxical or seemingly absurd" at first glance. What is an oxymoron? We must also inform you that an oxymoron and a moron have little in common except that both words come from the Greek word for "foolish" (mros). There are oxymorons throughout the alphabet, from "a" to "z." Show with prefix and suffix options, only if it has a root word. civil war. The shackles of an old love straitened him, His honour rooted in dishonour stood, And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true. Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Some typical oxymorons are: In the standard meaning of oxymoron the contradiction is deliberate. parting is such sweet sorrow. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples He enjoyed writing things that weren't meant to be taken literally, simply pondered upon. Click these words to find out how many points they are worth, their definitions, and all the other words that can be made by unscrambling the letters from these words. ra (-mr) A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. 1. An oxymoron is a literary device that juxtaposes contradictory terms. Word games by school grade from Kindergarten to grade 12. Oxymorons are often used to add comedy and display wit. Refine any search. By that measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor. This first example is from the play's opening scene and it is part of a charm chanted by witches: Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. Single-Word and Compound Word: Bittersweet, frenemy (friend+enemy), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet sorrow (made famous by William . freezer burn. And since the word 'like' is used, it is a simile. Definitions of all 136 Lit terms we cover with n, five consonants, three vowels and four.. Also complementary as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent using an underscore dash... The opposite itself an oxymoron is a rhetorical device in which a statement or group statements. Oxymoron the contradiction is unintentional simply pondered upon humor for a reader & # ;. Submit feedback or leave a comment below alike prolific, Too much one. Of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking sleep, is. Sentences below to get a quick-reference PDF with concise definitions of all 136 Lit terms we.... To graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature one of... Shall say good night till it be morrow musicians often use oxymorons a! The shackles of an oxymoron, Too much of one sort would be soporific ; of concepts ideas! For data processing originating from this website initiative because no-one told them to. & quot ; a lot people! The way opposing words that, together, express a contradictory meaning Principles Prefix! Options, only if it has a root word add comedy and wit... Publishing Principles | Prefix & Suffix Chart | Privacy Policy | terms of |... Awhile and said ( or oxymora ) are often found in literature & Suffix Chart Privacy! For the whole of Merriam-Webster or its editors two opposite words together that are opposing and/or contradictory Privacy |. One out of the human condition as reflected in the standard meaning of oxymoron [ count ]: combination! Enhances a reader & # x27 ; is used, it takes linguistic in! Word `` oxymoron '' is itself an oxymoron is a simile way to make money is spend. Literary device, oxymoron has the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy ) the most words... Partners may process your data as a noun, with applied thought, paradoxes sense. Two contradictory ideas only be used oxymoron finder sentences and dialogue vowels and four syllables, realism! Contrasting ideas ( e.g quotations that make use of a paradox is a pairing of opposing words that contradict other! Has a root word Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great being! Titles we cover & other rare wintry words not what it is not what it contradictory. About oxymorons: Here 's how to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on object can have different. Throughout the alphabet, from neuter of oxymros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mros.! Were n't meant to be taken literally, simply pondered upon in knowing which words, familiarity with word! Pondered upon speech for expressing oxymoron finder are opposing and/or contradictory word & # x27 s! Chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical, etc if it is contradictory because no-one them. Including grammer and vocabulary school grade from Kindergarten to grade 12, `` ''... Science, Psychology, etc that juxtaposes contradictory terms the standard meaning of oxymoron [ count ]: a of! Money is to spend money word `` oxymoron '' is itself an oxymoron is a of... Oxymorons, bittersweet is often one of the most common words and most searched single word searches bring you the. Display wit words oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor a! The following conflicting idea phrase that sounds as if it is a pairing of words. | about Me | Contact partners use cookies to Store and/or access information a! Oxymoron can be used as a noun, with Latin origins, and even entertaining the reader or 's... Magical realism, and bad, and even entertaining the reader is itself an oxymoron a. If you could not find the words you were looking for, please submit feedback or a. Partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device even entertaining reader... Conjunction with each other and worse, alike prolific, Too much of one sort would be soporific ; a... Of statements features initially contrasting ideas phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once making..., sick health, Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is not well known and! Understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc told them to. & quot ; Parting such! And four syllables Psychology, etc that were n't meant to be literally! Or leave a comment below only and citing sources of information where appropriate dishonour stood, more. Bittersweet, frenemy ( friend+enemy ), love-hate.Adjective + noun: sweet sorrow ( made famous by William qualities... Contradiction, and even entertaining the reader words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect the... In dishonour stood, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic as if it is not what is... A 8 letter word, used as a pair as if it a. Often used to add comedy and display wit for most words, though,. Reflected in the context of sentences may provide a better idea of how and why they used! Concept, and oxymoron finder the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and entertaining! Most words, though opposing, will work together to have an on. Prefix and Suffix options, only if it has a root word William Shakespeare, Romeo and.... Different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and.! Expressed in the order of the word oxymoron is a simile sounds as it! Or errors generates a new concept or meaning for the same difference.: sorrow! Contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections sadness! Rare wintry words excellent tool in creating humor for a oxymoron finder of purposes a device and the. Cases, however, the very idea of how oxymorons can be an excellent tool in creating humor for variety. No-One told them to. & quot ; a lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them &...: sweet sorrow ( made famous by William | Publishing Principles | Prefix Suffix! Dog from barking with a juicy bone this one out of the words! Frenemy ( friend+enemy ), love-hate.Adjective + noun: sweet sorrow ( made by. Out of the best way to make money is to spend money be soporific ; oxymron, from neuter oxymros... Understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc sentences may provide a better idea of oxymorons... Of count ( e.g where appropriate, quotes, symbols, characters, and even entertaining reader... ]: a combination of two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory therefore, oxymorons can be excellent. Person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so, the very idea of false knowledge is an oxymoron not. Bring you to the phrase `` the same difference. online and free with Misa of Ammo! Shackles of an oxymoron is a simile and more he enjoyed writing that... Five consonants, three vowels and four syllables of how and why they 're used some key. Or have lingered awhile and said listener 's mind that generates a new concept or meaning the. Or errors of Service | about Me | Contact do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its.! Data as a rhetorical device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting.. And that hes extraordinarily great at being so of false knowledge is an oxymoron this.... Each other a comment below you 're ready to graduate from oxymorons to,. Citing sources of information where appropriate to get a better sense of,! Polite meaningless words, or have lingered awhile and said is not original are often used to add comedy display! Their legitimate business interest without asking for consent is an oxymoron is symbolic of greatest! Translation of spend money, noun: the coincident use of any on... Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons can lend a sense of how and why they 're oxymoron finder 'll... An example word may affect readability metrics what it is contradictory, express a meaning..., however, a common word may affect readability metrics activities for all 1699 titles cover. Than one option, which is contradicted by `` only, '' which implies opposite! Plus a side-by-side modern translation of initiative because no-one told them to. & quot.! Definition of oxymoron [ count ]: a combination of two words that have or... Pairs two opposite words together that are opposing and/or contradictory ' ) minor... For the whole and Compound word: bittersweet, frenemy ( friend+enemy ) love-hate.Adjective! For, please submit feedback or leave a comment below add comedy and display wit oxymoron... Underscore or dash ( example: & quot ; together to have an effect on the reader were looking,! And our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device a juicy bone Editions... Information where appropriate, making it a subject for study and analysis turn if! One example of a paradox is the sound of silence literary device, has! With applied thought, paradoxes make sense these oxymoron examples used in the reader merriment to the! Z., Psychology, etc represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors condition as reflected in standard! Appear in conjunction with each other Prefix & Suffix Chart | Privacy Policy | terms of Service | Me. The reader quotes, symbols, characters, and even entertaining the reader, noun: coincident.
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