(Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). In other words, oxymorons are contradictive words or phrases used intentionally to create an effect. However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldnt be used as a proper oxymoron. Banksy, Wall and Piece. Here are some of our favorite oxymoron examples. Who Are The Most Romantic Literary Figures of All Time? As a literary device, it is used to make certain word combinations more thought-provoking to stand out. "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp, pointed" (from PIE root *ak- "be sharp, rise (out) to a point, pierce") + mros "stupid" (see moron ). Take a look at which ones you have used in conversation: So how did we arrive at spendthrift for a word for someone who spends money wastefully? However, with an oxymoron the incongruous word pairing conveys a truth or a dramatic result. 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. 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. Send us feedback. 'Simile' and 'metaphor' are just the beginning. The first word is usually used to describe the second word in a way that contrasts with it. It even proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. Oxymorons are not meant to be taken literally. Awfully good, bittersweet, same difference, and original copy are a few oxymoron examples. Its a somewhat regional word for a small convenience-type grocery store, often used in business names (Carsons Superette). Oxymoron is an effective literary device. What Is an Oxymoron? Who are you? Oxymoron, , Acutifatuum aut stulte acutum, subtilly foolish; derived from , [oxy] acumen, sharpnesse of wit, and , [moros] stultus, a fool. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes. In turn, if something is acopy,then it is not original. 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). The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. Huge List of Oxymorons. 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. "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." Are you still searching for the perfect oxymoron? 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. One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". Also, they often lead the reader to an underlying truth. This list is in no way comprehensive, and just aims at giving you an idea as to what oxymora are. 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. An oxymoron is a phrase made of two or more words that actually have opposite meanings. It is often composed of an adjective and a noun that are not usually seen together, juxtaposed in a startling way. It starts with super, which it gets from supermarket. Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. However, she lovingly anticipates seeing him again which is a pleasant feeling. An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' This love feel I, that feel no love in this. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. 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. "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". . The word "oxymoron" is an oxymoron itself and derives from the . Value Added Publishing. Paul Fussell. There is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form of the word. In its original Italian, chiaro means clear or light, while oscuro means obscure or dark., One ambitious curator went for a whole Caravaggio, The Supper at Emmaus, using clever kitchen lighting for some real-life chiaroscuro. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeares line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love! 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, O loving hate!"). However, as there are so many, you might not catch them all. Oxymorons are a favorite literary device of poets, particularly when they express complex feelings such as love and desire. She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. For example, "virtual reality" consists of contradictory terms that form a new meaning. However, an oxymoron, in its strict definition, requires that the two words be side by side, as in: "X was undergoing constant change." The phrase "The only constant is change." (the original Asimov quote), or the phrase "Change is the only constant," is best described as a simple paradox. Also, this oxymoron is ironic in the context of a poem in which a funeral is the subject. 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." Is oxymoronic a word? 'when they are silent, they cry out'), oxymoron, a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. (One, in particular, is in. The plural of "oxymoron" is "oxymorons" or "oxymora," but "oxymorons" is far more popular [ evidence ]. Their dramatic effect is much more powerful with sparing use. Check out Tutorbase! 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 contradiction is also known as aparadox. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. One goose, two geese. Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. Oxymoronically is the adverbial form of the word. The distinction between the two is clear (now). O loving hate! 2020, Preposterous suggests the idea of conflict in its meaning: contrary to nature, reason, or common sense, as in a preposterous notion.. [22], Similarly, the term "civil war" is sometimes jokingly referred to as an "oxymoron" (punning on the lexical meanings of the word "civil"). O loving hate!"). Consider these oxymoron examples: I am a deeply superficial person. Andy Warhol, I distinctly remember forgetting that. Clara Barton. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? There is nothing really contradictory about jumbo shrimp, for examplea shrimp is a crustacean that comes in a variety of sizes and happens to have another sense meaning a small thing. Others, such as guest host or plastic glass, depend on how much credence you give to the idea of their components being opposites. parting is such sweet sorrow. 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! 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. Think jumbo shrimp. Instead, they want to be witty and show they can use words to make people laugh. Katie McCabe, TimeOut London, 20 Apr. An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two terms seem contradictory. [23], Other examples include "honest politician", "act naturally", "affordable caviar" (1993),[24] "happily married" and "Microsoft Works" (2000).[25]. $8.95. If you're learning English as a second language, you might be confused by these figures of speech. By extension, oxymorons deal with the contrast between the meanings of words, but paradoxes focus on the contrast between complete ideas. An oxymoron is a consecutive set of words that have contradictory meanings. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? Learn all about effective imageryandwhat personification is with our expert guides. 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 College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. What is an oxymoron? 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. There are a number of single-word oxymorons built from "dependent morphemes"[9] (i.e. Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. 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. 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. (2021, February 16). the word nascar is an oxymoron. The word follows an earlier obsolete noun dingthrift, with ding meaning to deal blows to, knock down, or beat., We couldnt have a list of oxymorons without mentioning oxymoron itself. 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. Website, Richard Nordquist defines oxymorons as a literary device used by writers and poets for centuries "to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities.". 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. "expressive silence" (Thomson, echoing Cicero's Latin: cum tacent clamant, lit. As a rhetorical device, an oxymoron illustrates a point to communicate and reveal a paradox. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. Grammarly stands with our friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine, and with all people of Ukraine. 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. Bringing them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. Single-Word and Compound Word: Bittersweet, frenemy (friend+enemy), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet sorrow (made famous by William . 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. 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.". 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. 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. 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. This is a pairing of opposing words that contradict each other. Oxymoron. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxymoron. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. That I shall say good night till it be morrow. When someone says a phrase such as "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. The violent display ultimately led to thousands of deaths and injuries. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons. These cookies do not store any personal information. Learn a new word every day. Overall, as a literary device, oxymoron functions as a means of getting the readers attention through the pairing of opposing or contradictory words. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is whats known as a contradiction in terms, although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. An oxymoronis a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. This next oxymoron example is about Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot's tragic love affair. If you're referring to oxymoron in plural, both oxymorons and oxymora are correct. 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. 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. ), so this article explains everything you need to know. 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. Check out the funniest accidental, and intentional, malapropism examples as well. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. Now you can see that oxymorons add humor or drama to speech or writing, allowing you to make a funny or pointed remark. The word is derived from two ancient Greek words: oxys, which means "sharp," and moronos, which means "dull" or "stupid." Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. When we learn about oxymorons, bittersweet is often one of the first words given as an example. Want to learn more about figures of speech, besides oxymorons and paradoxes? Nordquist, Richard. But pairing it with deafening gives silence a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. 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 . [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]). Posted at 14:06h in does jetblue have power outlets by white stuff on frozen chicken. juni 14, 2022; Posted by synology broadcast storm; 14 . That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are certainly more than just a few. The best oxymorons emphasize contrasts, incongruities or the complex nature of reality. The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that oxymorons use contradictory words whereas paradoxes use contradictory ideas. Meghan graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2017; her creative nonfiction piece Anticipation was published in the Spring 2017 issue of Angles literary magazine. Generally, the ideas will come as two separate words placed side by side. 1. The word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron; in Greek, oxy- means "sharp" or "wise," while moros means "foolish." Is an oxymoron always 2 words? William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, O brawling love! Oscar Wilde. These word pairs, though actually opposite in meaning, are put together so that the meaning that they are trying to put forward is emphasized. . ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts two words next to each other with very different meanings that end up making sense in a strange way. 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. And then an interesting thing happens with superette. Adding "jumbo" doesn't make the . Jane Austen, Emma, 1815. Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. Generally, an oxymoron phrase is a . Oxymoron Quotes. By that measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor. Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. Season 1, Episode 1. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. It was featured notably by Leonardo da Vinci in such works as The Adoration of the Magi (ca. Exactly! How every letter can be (annoyingly) silent, Helping you navigate the linguistic road ahead. Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism, Of melancholy merriment, to quote. 1828 Words at Play Internal Conflict: The One-Word Oxymoron When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. (Hence you might buy vintage clothing for cheap at a thrift store.) These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Oxymorons are similar to such other devices as paradox and antithesis and are often used in poetry and other literature. June 3, 2022 . - 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! Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples, Definition and Examples of Irony (Figure of Speech). Or plastic silverware. The most commonly-used example of an oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp,' as a shrimp is small by definition and therefore cannot be jumbo. In this sense, theuprising was simultaneously terrible (in that it led to death) and beautiful (in its romantic aspirations for independence). The term "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron as it derives from the Greek "oxus" (sharp) and "moros" (stupid). The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Keep going to discover even more. Below, we provide you with an extensive list of oxymorons. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxymoron. matthew wilson obituary gan lstm time series github mayo clinic scottsdale patient portal. On its own silence is fairly neutralit can be calm or tense, depending on the context. In many cases they are obvious. the word nascar is an oxymoron 03 Jun. Easy Examples of Oxymorons Act naturally Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. All rights reserved. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Lancelot and Elaine" inIdylls of the King. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. 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 The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. They can enhance writing and communication in a variety of ways, including by adding dramatic effect. 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". He gave me a. 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. Consider these paradox examples: You have to spend money to make money. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. 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 can seem absurd yet make perfect sense at the same time. The inherent setup of contradictory words works great for jokes and other witty statements. An oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two antithetical or contradictory concepts. 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. Oxymoron is a word that describes an expression of two contradictory thoughts, words, or phrases. Feeling 'bumfuzzled' or have the 'collywobbles'? They are "word searches" and matching puzzles. | 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 the word nascar is an oxymoron the word nascar is an oxymoron. 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). 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). Despite the similarities, however, oxymorons and paradoxes are two different types of literary devices, each with their own special usage. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! An oxymoron is a conjoined pair of (seemingly) contradictory terms, e.g.deafening silence, pretty ugly, same difference, silent scream, or jumbo shrimp. 2001 - 2023 Oxymoron.info - All rights reserved. Mom, and True Lies.. Grammarly can check your spelling and save you from grammar and punctuation mistakes. This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. One moose, two moose. This presents the word silence in a unique way thats particularly expressive. Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. O anything of nothing first create! As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. You might say that they juxtapose each other, which means, when placed close together, they create an. It may seem illogical or unrealistic, but, upon reflection, its based in reality and stems from valid reasoning.

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