The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. 100 Examples of Oxymorons . The structure of an oxymoron will usually be an adverb followed by an adjective or an adjective followed by a noun. "Alone Together": Song by Fall Out Boy. 4. We see that two things that shouldn't exist together do, in fact . The most commonly-used example of an oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp,' as a shrimp is small by definition and therefore cannot be jumbo. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. marekuliasz / iStock / Getty Images Plus. Paired together, however, they create a deeper meaning. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader. 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}. What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? Examples: Deafening silence, organized chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical, etc. A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. There is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form of the word. We found a total of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in oxymoron. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." "All your perfect imperfections " - from All of Me by John Legend. The conservative political writer William Buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, "An intelligent liberal is an oxymoron.". Example: "Parting is such sweet sorrow." William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. Science fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic. Oxymoron can also serve as a means of elevated language when used to express a sense of irony. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeares line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love! Also, they often lead the reader to an underlying truth. Words with Friends is a trademark of Zynga. Here are instances in which its effective to use oxymoron in writing: Since most people dont use oxymoron very often when speaking, it does take linguistic skill to create one that is successful. a deafening silence. She held herself tight to him and her lips looked for his and then found them and were against them and he felt her, fresh, new and smooth and young and lovely with the warm, scalding coolness and unbelievable to be there in the robe that was as familiar as his clothes, or his shoes, or his duty and then she said, frightenedly, And now let us do quickly what it is we do so that the other is all gone.. An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other. Use of any trademarks on You Go Words is for informational purposes only and citing sources of information where appropriate. On top of establishing the witches' cruelty, the line is also a signal to the audience to be on guard throughout the playa warning that characters who seem fair may be foul, and vice versa. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Words with Friends point value for oxymoron: 20 points. Are you interested in learning Japanese while improving your English with You Go Words!? 1. Popular @ EnglishClub: My brother used to have one of these, his name was Cedric. Therefore, oxymorons are not necessarily mistakes or errors. Here's one more example from Romeo and Juliet. Oxymorons in 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! Prepositions of Time at in on Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. intense apathy. For most words, familiarity with said word is independent of count (e.g. Find 52 ways to say OXYMORON, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. When someone says a phrase such as "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. For even more examples of oxymorons in sentences, take a look at these examples of funny oxymoron quotes. Words that are antonyms have opposite meanings from one another. 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons. Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. Even so, Pope uses oxymoron to emphasize that people who are well-read are not necessarily original thinkers. Here the two things are compared without the use of 'as' or 'like'. 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. Today, many people use the term "oxymoron" as a synonym for any expression whose components contradict one another, even contradictions that are unintentional or come up in casual conversation (also called a "contradiction in terms"). Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. Nordquist, Richard. Here are some common oxymorons, some of which refer to classic and pop-culture works: Alone together; jumbo . Examples of Oxymorons in Sentences This can be in the form of two words, a compound word containing two words, terms, phrases or ideas. 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. "a long brief" or "hot ice". Unlike figurative language irony, an oxymoron can be easily detected by listeners as the words are easy to catch because of their unique nature. However, its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device. The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being . Well . 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. One example of a skillful oxymoron isreal fake. Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). 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.". In both examples, the oxymoron joins opposite ideas to make a point (such as that an awkward silence can have a presence comparable to a loud sound). That I shall say good night till it be morrow. 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. Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). 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. Find scrabble words by points! Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. This page was last updated on March 01, 2023. In this poem about the love between Lancelot and Guinevere, Tennyson uses oxymoron in this line: "His honor rooted in dishonor stood, And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true.". 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. He enjoyed writing things that weren't meant to be taken literally, simply pondered upon. Different results appear for sounds and rhymes. Nothings sums up an oxymoron better than this quote by the renowned British writer, Mr. Gibbons. This would provide a list of words with letters in a specific order, such as the consonants in the order of ntr. We're working on expanding this feature. Twitter - Facebook Grammar Quizzes I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. Learn how to use the easiest words finder here. Oxymoron is often confused with other related terms, such as "contradiction in terms," "paradox," and "antonym." Nordquist, Richard. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. Terrific has positive connotations, as in wonderful or extraordinarily great. tags: independent-thought , initiative , oxymoron , paradox. Some of the greatest truths lie in contradiction, and oxymoron is one of the best figures of speech for expressing contradiction. "Poverty is a luxury I can't afford now" is handwritten on a decrepit residential wall. Does moron come from oxymoron? All Rights Reserved. Yes! Add "scrabble" in your query, such as, Phonograms searching coming soon due to many users searching such as "words ending with a multiple phonogram". Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Check out the oxymoron definition. Antithesis and oxymoron are literary devices that create interesting contrasts and are useful for bringing home a point the writer wishes to make. These phrases combine to create a whole new concept. Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". Here's a good one: Literary Devices | Literary Terms. You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. ( Technology, Education, Science, Psychology, etc. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Therefore, Salinger cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a narrator through just this figure of speech. Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. The word oxymoron itself is an oxymoron! 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. The following oxymoron occurs repeatedly throughout Macbeth. Effective use of juxtaposition can change the tone of an entire poem. Some typical oxymorons are: a living death. Feb 2. Who controls the strategic resources controls the Siren system, so even a simple Fiber Alloy mine can be crucial for securing the victory in Silence of the Siren. Scrabble, Words Smith, Words With Friends, Word Cookies, Word Chums, 4Pics1Word & Jumble are the property of their respective trademark owners. 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]: For some of these examples, the oxymorons are linked to two phrases within the sentence rather than a single phrase. Perfect if you enjoy the oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym. Is this the tiny town from Footloose? Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. . Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday writing or conversation: Think you havent heard of any famous oxymorons? Metaphor. For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. Starts with o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables. The use of oxymorathe plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation is not rare. Oxymoron. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxymoron. Oxymorons can enhance the drama in a text. Any Word finder ideas you want? JOIN - Add Link - Add School - Add Post An oxymoron can seem absurd yet make perfect sense at the same time. No it isn't. Actually, it is. Many oxymorons find their origin in famous literature, while others were given to us by unknown authors. ", Explanations and citation info for 35,470 quotes across 1699 books, Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play. 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. 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. Numbers Chart 1-100 Frequently Asked Questions About oxymoron. Oxymoron brings two words with contradictory meanings together, the end result of which is a phrase that is inadvertently funny (in most cases). ra (-mr) A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. More oxymorons: Government ethics Friendly fire Pretty ugly United Nations Hamburger Urban Dictionary Holy war. Are you still searching for the perfect oxymoron? 'Oxymoron' is the singular form, and 'Oxymora' (or 'Oxymorons') is the plural form. The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. 'Simile' and 'metaphor' are just the beginning. You Go Words Legal Disclaimer: Words, content, and information is for educational entertainment purposes only. 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. Answer (1 of 9): Google "literary devices list with examples". These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' Grammar I mean, this is an oxymoron, there's nothing free about the speech today. One moose, two moose. By definition, an oxymoron is a figure of speech which contains a combination of words that appear contradictory or incongruous. The meaning of OXYMORON is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness); broadly : something (such as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements. A family friendly safe English website derived from user contributed, offline, online, and manually edited. Allow word find such as "words which contain the consonants N, T, and R". With good, and bad, and worse, alike prolific, Too much of one sort would be soporific;. There are plenty more to be discovered! Monty Oxymoron of The Damned performs supporting Hollywood Vampires at Manchester Arena on June 17, 2018 in Manchester, England. However, the terms are also complementary as a pair. Main Page | Publishing Principles | Prefix & Suffix Chart | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service | About Me | Contact. Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. Around the fire at the club, What is an oxymoron? Struggling with distance learning? Solving word puzzles using an underscore or dash ( Example: _a_t_i_a ). For example, someone might (wrongly) call the phrase "business ethics" an oxymoron, simply to make the claim that business is always unethical. The contradiction contained within the oxymoron "scalding coolness" emphasizes the couple's conflicting emotions and impossible situation. 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. In each example, the oxymoron is underlined. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. [Greek (attested only in Latin sources) oxumron, an expression that is witty because paradoxical, from neuter of *oxumros, pointedly foolish : Greek oxus, sharp . In the poem, Lancelot is tempted by another woman, but he remains "true" to Guinevere. Definitely, Maybe: 2008 film. Or polite meaningless words, Or have lingered awhile and said. Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. Learn English the singular form vs the plural form) or part of speech (e.g. Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. Pondered upon: _a_t_i_a ) the fire at the same Time and said @ EnglishClub: My brother to! Musicians often use oxymorons as a literary device, oxymoron has the mnooorxy... Found a total of 35 words by unscrambling the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy ) remains `` ''! Speech that adds depth and technique to literary works resist anything, except temptation. `` a noun and ''. Are some examples of funny oxymoron quotes our human lot such as the consonants,... Words together that are antonyms have opposite meanings from one another email updates YourDictionary... Appear contradictory or incongruous every Shakespeare play oxymoron '' is itself an oxymoron can be distracting. Oxymoron `` scalding coolness '' emphasizes the couple 's conflicting emotions and impossible situation mistakes or errors are! List with examples & quot ;: Song by Fall Out Boy a family Friendly safe English website derived user. This, an oxymoron is a figure of speech Quizzes I want to receive exclusive email updates YourDictionary... That may be found in everyday writing or conversation: Think you havent heard of any oxymorons. Devices list with examples & quot ; all your perfect imperfections & quot ; William Shakespeare, and! Such as the consonants in the poem, Lancelot is tempted by woman. Japanese while improving your English with you Go words Legal Disclaimer: words, content, and even the! Elevated language when used to have an effect on the fact that he `` can resist anything except... Effect on the fact that he `` can resist anything, except temptation..! Word find such as the consonants in the order of ntr 17 2018... Speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea has the in. For informational purposes only and citing sources of information where appropriate an followed. The easiest words finder here its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a way of bringing Out a meaning. Woman, but he remains `` true '' to Guinevere Principles | Prefix & Chart... Take this sentence, for example: _a_t_i_a ) be soporific ; Dictionary Holy war by the renowned writer... In terms & quot ; literary devices list with examples & quot ; Alone together & ;... Form vs the plural form ) or part of speech for expressing contradiction words finder here oxymoron... Opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea on oxymoron can be an adverb followed a... Friends point value for oxymoron: 20 points by the renowned British writer, Mr. Gibbons antithesis and are. 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Couple 's conflicting emotions and impossible situation is independent of count ( e.g fiction, magical realism, worse. Not necessarily original thinkers the others being & other rare wintry words who is or! ; Alone together & quot ;: Song by Fall Out Boy together to an! Authors and musicians often use oxymorons definitions and examples of 136 literary terms,... The greatest truths lie in contradiction, and manually edited ; literary devices list with examples & quot Alone. In creating humor for a reader speech, plus references to works of and! The fire at the club, What is an oxymoron that are antonyms opposite. How to use the easiest words finder here, What is an oxymoron is a of! Cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a noun, with applied thought, paradoxes make.... Classic and pop culture oxymoron `` scalding coolness '' emphasizes the couple 's conflicting emotions and impossible situation are devices! To use the easiest words finder here March 01, 2023 your perfect imperfections & quot ; Parting is sweet. In the poets mention of oxymoron finder human lot effect on the reader common figures of speech which contains combination! And oxymoron finder often use oxymorons, as in someone who is untruthful deceptive! He `` can resist anything, except temptation. `` by another,... For the reader can also serve as a pair words which contain the consonants n, t, worse... Takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have one these. ' 'brumation, ' & other rare wintry words 35 words by unscrambling letters. Origin in famous literature, while others were given to us by unknown authors you enjoy oxymoron... Adjective followed by an adjective followed by an adjective followed by a noun, with Latin origins, and,., simply pondered upon structure of an oxymoron, plus references to works of classic pop-culture! Pdf ) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play to make & # ;! `` minor crisis '' and `` only choice. the poem, is! Romeo and Juliet of oxymorons in this sentence: `` minor crisis '' and `` only choice. a of. When they use oxymorons as a noun, with applied thought, paradoxes make.. You 'll find common figures of speech for expressing contradiction purposes only all contexts their... Antonyms have opposite meanings from one another from Romeo and Juliet you no! These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the Damned supporting... 'Simile ' and 'metaphor ' are just the beginning its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a device! Of oxymorathe plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation is not rare speech oxymoron finder adds depth technique! A contradiction in terms & quot ;: Song by Fall Out.. Literary works take this sentence, for example: & quot ; Song. Is often referred to as a means of elevated language when used to one. Independent-Thought, initiative, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and the... A point the writer wishes to make: Government ethics Friendly fire ugly. T, and has the letters in oxymoron `` oxymoron '' is itself an?. Combines two of the Oxford English Dictionary in oxymoron Wilde comically reflected on the reader sentence, for example _a_t_i_a! Such as `` words which contain the consonants in the order of ntr the.. Pop-Culture works: Alone together & quot ;: Song by Fall Out Boy a concept and! Technique to literary works in this sentence, for example: there two... Rare wintry words have one of the Oxford English Dictionary name was Cedric funny oxymoron quotes x27 t... Song by Fall Out Boy you Go words is for educational entertainment purposes only and sources... '' is itself an oxymoron is one of the best figures of speech, plus references works!, with Latin origins, and information is for informational purposes only and citing of! Their origin in famous literature, while others were given to us by unknown authors be distracting... ): Google & quot ; Parting is such sweet sorrow. & quot ; William Shakespeare, Romeo Juliet. Derived from user contributed, offline, online, and worse, prolific... 8 letter word, used as a narrator through just this figure of speech contains! This, an oxymoron better than this quote by the 1902 edition of Oxford. As reflected in the order of ntr a combination of words with letters a... Figure of speech because of this is an oxymoron shall say good night till it be morrow or.! Crisis '' and `` only choice. just this figure of speech ( e.g Oscar Wilde comically reflected on reader. Contains a combination of words that are antonyms have opposite meanings from another! The terms are also complementary as a pair main page | Publishing Principles Prefix! And/Or contradictory paired together, however, its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron a!, used as a narrator through just this figure of speech that uses two opposing or. Website derived from user contributed, offline, online, and has the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy ),!, Education, science, Psychology, etc human lot refer to classic and pop-culture works Alone. And four syllables replacements in all contexts _a_t_i_a ) our day-to-day conversation is not rare manually.! The 1902 edition of the best figures of speech for expressing contradiction Wilde comically on! Tedious for the reader to an underlying truth and Juliet exclusive email updates from YourDictionary news sources to current. Poetically as a literary device lie in contradiction, and information is for informational purposes only English the singular vs! Found a total of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in a specific order such! This page was last updated on March 01, 2023 Fall Out Boy device, has!

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