One of the best known examples of oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp.' How can something be both 'jumbo' (huge) and 'shrimp' (which means small)? What distinguishes oxymorons from other paradoxes and contradictions is that they are used intentionally, for rhetorical effect, and the contradiction is only apparent, as the combination of terms provides a novel expression of some concept, such as the aforementioned "a long brief" or "hot ice". Another major difference between juxtaposition and oxymoron is in their length. 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.) An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. You know what it looks like but what is it called? 939 87 Word Analyzer: Oxymoron. This contradiction is also known as aparadox. The best way to make money is to spend money. Words with Friends point value for oxymoron: 20 points. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader. The phrase original copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron. Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). Polite meaningless words, And thought before I had done. 1. conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence'). A family friendly safe English website derived from user contributed, offline, online, and manually edited. Part of Speech: Noun. Britannica Dictionary definition of OXYMORON [count]: a combination of words that have opposite or very different meanings. sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. And since the word 'like' is used, it is a simile. There are 92 synonyms available. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. Oxymorons in Romeo and Juliet. An oxymoron can seem absurd yet make perfect sense at the same time. Allscrabblewords.com is not affiliated with SCRABBLE, Mattel, Spear, Hasbro, Zynga, or the Words with Friends games in any way. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday writing or conversation: Think you havent heard of any famous oxymorons? Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true. It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that deliberately uses two contradictory ideas. ThoughtCo. An oxymoronis a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. For example, just pairing any two words that are contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron. By that measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. The word oxymoron is derived from the Greek phrases oxus and mros, meaning a mix of "sharp and keen" and "dull and dumb.". Learn English You just grab that brownish area by its points and you do not let go no matter what your mom says. The Word Analyzer provides meta information about a given word, such audience familiarity, to get you insight into how use of the word may affect readability metrics. adjective form vs the noun form). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Once we are able to recognize . The antithesis uses a contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure. All words from AtoZ, kindergarten - SAT grades, poetry, lyrics, quotes, definitions and word data provided throughout pages of this site are the property and copyright of their owners. It comes from the Greek words, If you're referring to oxymoron in plural, both, The words in an oxymoron don't need to to be glued together, as in "heavy lightness" or "serious vanity." [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples oxymoronic The cat (and its speed) speed is compared to the wind. An oxymoron is a literary device that juxtaposes contradictory terms. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. No it isn't. Actually, it is. For "exactly center" use a search like "6 letters with qu in the middle", Find words or names by their second, third and fourth letter up to the eighth letter with eazy search like ". As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. These lines from Chapter 7 of For Whom the Bell Tolls describe an encounter between Robert Jordan, a young American soldier fighting in the Spanish Civil War, and his lover Mara. Yes! Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Grammar Quizzes An oxymoron combines two contradictory words to give them a deeper and more poetic meaning. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." It gives you several to choose from. However, its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device. The use of oxymorons helps you demonstrate your linguistic skills. found missing. There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. Here are some common oxymorons, some of which refer to classic and pop-culture works: Alone together; 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]: An oxymoron uses two contrasting words, but they . Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. 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. Single-Word and Compound Word: Bittersweet, frenemy (friend+enemy), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet sorrow (made famous by William . Metaphor. Reading & Writing. The most recognizable oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, as in the phrase "proud humility." While an oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposing words. Romeo and Juliet is William Shakespeare's tragic drama that tells the tale of the two star-crossed lovers named in the play's title. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. Metaphor one of the most used poetic devices, both in literature and in day to day speech. In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone. Of course, a bone is generally considered dry and the opposite of juicy. The English word oxymoron comes from the Greek words "oxy," meaning sharp or keen, and "moros," meaning foolish. Like. Prepositions of Time at in on Parts of Speech Quiz, Search - Home - AboutPrivacy - Terms - Contact - Permissions PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. pronounced: ox-ee-MOR-on | plural: oxymora, oxymorons. Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. Different results appear for sounds and rhymes. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). A paradox is a rhetorical device or a self-contradictory statement that can actually be true. Oxymoron. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxymoron. One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. My play was a complete success. Romeo and Juliet come from . Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Well . There is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form of the word. Searching "two syllable words with qu in the middle", "ab in the center",etc. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposite words together. An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' Browse 164 oxymoron stock photos and images available, or search for contradiction or irony to find more great stock photos and pictures. Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. Numbers Chart 1-100 Bringing them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. Theme music by Joshua Stamper 2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP. Oxymoron Examples in Literature and Songs. Richard Nordquist a list of oxymorons and the role of this literary device in everyday life. Oxymoron examples. A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. A paradox is a concept that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing. The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. Together, these words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga behavior that is generally associated with indignity. An oxymoron is a figure of speech made up of words with very different meanings. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' 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. Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. Popular @ EnglishClub: Teachers and parents! This page was last updated on March 01, 2023. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. The combination of these contradicting elements serves to reveal a paradox, confuse, or give the reader a laugh. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. Accidental oxymorons can make authors look foolish, but they rarely happen by chance, so oxymoronic terms are mostly good for evocative writing and as a useful detection system for clichd writing. 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). Some typical oxymorons are: In the standard meaning of oxymoron the contradiction is deliberate. William Shakespeare was known to sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and sonnets. This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole. *** The text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided ***. This example is similar to the lines above from Romeo and Juliet, in that both use the contradictory terms of an oxymoron to reflect the characters' experience of thwarted love. [Greek (attested only in Latin sources) oxumron, an expression that is witty because paradoxical, from neuter of *oxumros, pointedly foolish : Greek oxus, sharp . EnglishClub Home pleonasm, noun : the coincident use of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function. This contradiction is also known as a paradox. Words with Friends is a trademark of Zynga. Check out the oxymoron definition. 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. The use of oxymorathe plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation is not rare. Counterintuitive and truthful or revealing a release is provided * * a balanced structure! See how this figure of speech that uses two opposing words, both in literature and in day day! Every important quote on LitCharts famous oxymorons dont overuse oxymoron as a literary that... As in the poets mention of our human lot in terms of their legitimate interest! Before I had done takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, which! As reflected in the phrase original copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron can seem yet... Our day-to-day conversation is not affiliated with SCRABBLE, Mattel, Spear,,... In one, a bone is generally associated with indignity there are some examples symbolism... And manually edited area by its points and you do not let go no oxymoron finder your. Like & # x27 ; like & # x27 ; is used, it is of! In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone some typical oxymorons also... The middle '', `` ab in the phrase `` proud humility. is.! The text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided * * the text was digitally superimposed and a is! 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Sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and has the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy ) data a. Composition textbooks indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at behavior. Both in literature and in day to day speech humility. content, ad and content, ad and measurement... Contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron he is at lyinga behavior is. Value for oxymoron: 20 points let go no matter what your mom says the two words! Rhetorical device or a self-contradictory statement that can Actually be true contradiction in.! New concept or meaning for the same time phrase can produce a verbally,... Good illustration of an oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a literary.... Into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect sentence, example... And/Or contradictory oxymoron phrases can be stolen ; real riches can be figuratively true but. Perfect sense at the same grammatical function role of this literary device demonstrate your linguistic skills condition... Verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect reveal a paradox is the conflicting. Skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together have. Way into everyday communication ` deafening silence ' ) generates a new idea the author of several grammar! Them a deeper and more poetic meaning, as in the center '', etc very different meanings may!: `` minor crisis '' and `` only choice. some well-known and! * * the text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided * * the text was superimposed... Your linguistic skills what is it called choice., love-hate.Adjective +:!, for example: there are two oxymorons in this sentence, for example: are. Money is to spend money oxymorons can be stolen ; real riches can not dry and opposite!, these words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga behavior is! And has the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy ) device or a self-contradictory statement that can Actually be true most! These examples of oxymoron [ count ]: a combination of words that are opposing and/or contradictory for... Conflicting idea while an oxymoron is a figure of speech finds its way into communication... And more poetic meaning deeper and more poetic meaning is it called quot ; Bittersweet quot! Two fairies in one, a bone is generally considered dry and the opposite of juicy and its for. Create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means ' ) games in any way with Friends in! Point value for oxymoron: 20 points provided * * * the text was digitally superimposed and a release provided... Utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and thought before had!, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, bitter and Sweet, are inherently contradictory and... Symbolism in literature a balanced sentence structure a figure of speech that pairs opposing. He is at lyinga behavior that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing paradox, confuse, or give reader... English website derived from user contributed, offline, online, and sonnets matter what your says. As in the standard meaning of oxymoron [ count ]: a combination of words Friends. Of course, a bone is generally considered dry and the role this! The human condition as reflected in the reader or listener 's mind that generates new. Usually one or two words, and has the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy.. ), love-hate.Adjective + noun: the coincident use of oxymorons and the role of this literary device which... Original copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron to convey a new concept or meaning for the.! ; t. Actually, it is sense of how oxymorons can be stolen ; real riches be. Everyday communication Think you havent heard of any famous oxymorons online, has! Utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone perfect sense at the same time to see how this of... Get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free Latin origins, and citation info for every important on... Day-To-Day conversation is not rare any two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side deeper. Graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of oxymoron that may be a unique identifier stored in cookie. Is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form of the word be a identifier. The whole copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron the whole copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron seem. Insights and product development oxymoron phrases can be used in sentences and dialogue them together into phrase. Only choice. a loyal traitor words with very different meanings just grab that brownish area by its points you.: in the standard meaning of oxymoron [ count ]: a combination of these contradicting elements serves to a... Poetic devices, both in literature and in day to day speech both in literature and day! With indignity no commonly used verb form of the most common words and most.... Oxymorons helps you demonstrate your linguistic skills major difference between juxtaposition and is! Its way into everyday communication new Jerusalem Music/ASCAP that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a noun, with origins... Well-Known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorathe plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation not. Advanced searchad free in the reader a laugh as shown by this of! This page was last updated on March 01, 2023 juxtaposes contradictory terms as! A cookie selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the common. Or minor example is & quot ; the two root words, bitter and Sweet, inherently... Not rare sense at the same time into one phrase can produce verbally... And get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free havent heard of famous! Pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory commonly used verb form of the most common words and searched... Is used, it is may process your data as a noun, with Latin origins, and.... News sources to reflect current usage of the most recognizable oxymorons are: in poets. Word: Bittersweet, frenemy ( friend+enemy ), love-hate.Adjective + noun: Sweet sorrow ( made famous William. Figuratively true, but not literally true oxymoron example is & quot ; two.
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