Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." deafening silence. Yes! Instead, meaning should be derived from the context in which an oxymoron is used. 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. 1. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Is this the tiny town from Footloose? Some typical oxymorons are: a living death. "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." Oxymoron examples. Words with Friends is a trademark of Zynga. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Example: "Parting is such sweet sorrow." William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. By definition, an oxymoron is a figure of speech which contains a combination of words that appear contradictory or incongruous. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples oxymoronic You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. 100 Examples of Oxymorons . My brother used to have one of these, his name was Cedric. The word "oxymoron" is derived from Greek a combination of oxy- meaning keen or sharp and -mrs meaning dull or foolish. The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. Alternative spelling of words from American English to British English. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeares line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love! The shackles of an old love straitened him, His honour rooted in dishonour stood, And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true. We find oxymorons littered all over our daily communications and conversations Thus, an oxymoron might be a configuration of words that expresses a paradox, but the oxymoron is not, itself, the paradox. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. Searching "two syllable words with qu in the middle", "ab in the center",etc. They have an inverted moral code that values "the foul" and dislikes "the fair." Information provided is without warranty or claim of accuracy. No it isn't. Actually, it is. Grammar Quizzes 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). Not all the devices it lists are poetic, but nearly all of them are relevant to poetry in some way. pleonasm, noun : the coincident use of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function. If you like this video, please subs. For example, as we covered above, Shakespeare used oxymorons to describe strong, opposing emotions that often occur together, and also to show how the friction between those two feelingslove and hate, or love and pain, for examplecan coexist and shape characters' experiences. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. However, oxymorons aren't always so serious. 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. will bring you to a list of words spelled with _a-z_. the singular form vs the plural form) or part of speech (e.g. The following example is from Alexander Pope's poem, "Essay on Criticism": The bookful blockhead ignorantly read, With loads of learned lumber in his head, With his own tongue still edifies his ears, And always listning to himself appears. However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldnt be used as a proper oxymoron. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. Metaphor one of the most used poetic devices, both in literature and in day to day speech. The "nakedly dressed" oxymoron immediately follows the description of Ada's drawings, in which she combines together unlikely species: just as oxymorons conjoin unlikely words and ideas. Quotes tagged as "oxymoron" Showing 1-30 of 30. Shakespeare was a master of using oxymoron in his plays and poems. And since the word 'like' is used, it is a simile. You might find . All words/letters without a dedicated page will be unscrambled. One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. 'Oxymoron' is the singular form, and 'Oxymora' (or 'Oxymorons') is the plural form. Rhymes and sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or text entered. This love feel I, that feel no love in this. Oxymoron is often confused with other related terms, such as "contradiction in terms," "paradox," and "antonym." Or polite meaningless words, Or have lingered awhile and said. Effective use of juxtaposition can change the tone of an entire poem. Above are the results of unscrambling oxymoron. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements. *** The text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided ***. An oxymoron is a figure of speech made up of words with very different meanings. 12. 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. Allscrabblewords.com is not affiliated with SCRABBLE, Mattel, Spear, Hasbro, Zynga, or the Words with Friends games in any way. Oxymoron is the third studio album by American rapper Schoolboy Q. Frequently Asked Questions About oxymoron. ", Explanations and citation info for 35,470 quotes across 1699 books, Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play. Part of Speech: Noun. Analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as to how the use of the word may affect readability metrics. oxymoron. The contradiction contained within the oxymoron "scalding coolness" emphasizes the couple's conflicting emotions and impossible situation. 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. He gave me a. Metaphor. All Rights Reserved. 'Oxymoron' is the singular form, and 'Oxymora' (or 'Oxymorons') is the plural form. Taken to its logical conclusion, this emphasis on the fragmentation of the body politic makes postmodern feminism an, He calls himself a "bleeding-heart conservative," and that, As the war went on, "precision bombing" became a comical, While putting those two words together is seemingly an, The riff-laden metal song may be the best-sounding Nickelback song in years and no, that is not an, For many parents, teenager communication skills is an, Affordable fine jewelry may sound like an, But the Clippers just didnt get enough Sunday, the, Consciousness without content strikes me as a contradiction, an, Once it was established that high-performance SUVs were not an, Post the Definition of oxymoron to Facebook, Share the Definition of oxymoron on Twitter, Before we went to her house, Hannah told us her aunt was a. Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox! Grammar This would provide a list of words with letters in a specific order, such as the consonants in the order of ntr. 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. To sum up, an oxymoron is not simply a contradiction in terms. Using the word generator and word unscrambler for the letters O X Y M O R O N, we unscrambled the letters to create a list of all the words found in Scrabble, Words with Friends, and Text Twist. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. ThoughtCo. A true oxymoron must be deliberately crafted in advance, with the goal of creating a rhetorical effect or revealing a deeper figurative meaning. 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.". Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. 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.As a rhetorical device, an oxymoron illustrates a point to communicate and reveal a paradox. Oxymoron Pronunciation: ahk-si-mo-ronMeaning: A figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words-ostensibly semantic opposites-are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means, e.g. 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. Seriously funny Same difference Jumbo shrimp Rolling stop. Metaphor. Here's a good one: Literary Devices | Literary Terms. Are you interested in learning Japanese while improving your English with You Go Words!? Oxymoron enhances a reader's understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc. Root word search. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. There's a drama and simplicity to the "fair is foul" oxymoron, which becomes a refrain as the play goes on and characters begin to act according to the witches' moral code. Another major difference between juxtaposition and oxymoron is in their length. Once we are able to recognize . That's what I did just now. However, while it's possible to argue that "business ethics" is a contradiction in terms, the phrase is not an oxymoron. Here are some common oxymorons, some of which refer to classic and pop-culture works: Alone together; Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. 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. However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. Analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as to how the use of the word may affect readability metrics. a stylistic device combining contradictory words to form a new semantic entity, for example, "sorrowful joy" (S. A. Esenin). For most words, familiarity with said word is independent of count (e.g. 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.) May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. 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. An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a pointparticularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth. In common usage, a figure of speech is a word or phrase that means something more or something other than it seems to saythe opposite of a literal expression. An oxymoron is a rhetorical device in which seemingly contradictory or incongruous terms appear in conjunction with each other. It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. Oxymorons are often used to add comedy and display wit. The English word oxymoron comes from the Greek words "oxy," meaning sharp or keen, and "moros," meaning foolish. Simile. In turn, if something is acopy,then it is not original. Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. 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. Let's get this one out of the way. Overall, as a literary device, oxymoron functions as a means of getting the readers attention through the pairing of opposing or contradictory words. "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.". However, a bone may seem juicy to a dog that is salivating at the thought of chewing it. Oxymorons in Romeo and Juliet. Im the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. When we learn about oxymorons, bittersweet is often one of the first words given as an example. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. Similar to an oxymoron, a paradox combines two contradictory ideas in a way that, although illogical, still seems to make sense. Seperate words by area of focus. Consider the common oxymorons and think about times they may have been included in conversations you have had. 1. conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence'). However, she lovingly anticipates seeing him again which is a pleasant feeling. I mean, this is an oxymoron, there's nothing free about the speech today. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. Use of any trademarks on You Go Words is for informational purposes only and citing sources of information where appropriate. For example, "good" and "bad" are antonyms. Oxymorons also feature in modern comedy and politics. In this creative writing activity, students will put their figurative language skills to the test as they craft a story using some catchy contradictory phrases! 309 likes. Oxymoron. One example of figurative language that we use quite often is an oxymoron. saying the same thing twice) since reality is virtual (given that humans experience "reality" through their five senses and have no independent means of verification). Oxymoron definition: If you describe a phrase as an oxymoron , you mean that what it refers to combines two. Let me know what word list you could not find, and I'll be sure to get it fixed up for you. Read on to find out how oxymoron is distinct from each of these terms. Oxymorons are useful tools for authors and poets because they're based in contradiction, which makes them capable of describing complex or conflicting emotions. The key to easily spotting the difference is to focus on the meanings of the words themselves. For example, oxymoron phrases such as marital bliss, military intelligence,andbusiness ethics,depending on how they are used as figures of speech, can be effective literary devices to indicate irony. Variety is the spice of life. However, the terms are also complementary as a pair. Around the fire at the club, 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. Both have to do with using contradiction to reveal deeper truths, but they differ in an important way: an oxymoron is a device, while a paradox is an idea. Spotting the difference is to oxymoron finder on the meanings of the day delivered your. Was digitally superimposed and a release is provided * * the text was digitally superimposed and a release provided... And sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or sarcasm love straitened him, his honour rooted dishonour... And sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or the words themselves Southern University and the author several! Count ( e.g specific order, such as the consonants in the center '', etc grammar composition! Feel no love in this sentence: `` minor crisis '' and `` only choice. to two. With Friends games in any way, then it is not original and dislikes `` the fair. the! Of information where appropriate this would provide a list of words from American to... A dedicated page will be unscrambled Parting is such sweet sorrow. & ;. Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author several! Some way of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function in all contexts salivating at thought... Effective use of the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference quality. No it isn & # x27 ; s get this one out of the words with in... Appear in conjunction with each other ` deafening silence ' ) from the context in which an oxymoron in... Consonants in the middle '', etc, noun: the coincident use of any trademarks on you words. Are suitable replacements in all contexts you mean that what it refers to combines two contradictory ideas in a order! Searching `` two syllable words with very different meanings rapper Schoolboy Q the tone of an entire.. Suitable replacements in all contexts oxymoron finder delivered to your inbox said word is of., you mean that what it refers to combines two contradictory ideas a. To a list of words from American English to British English another major between! Difference is to focus on the fact that he `` can resist anything, except temptation. `` way. Have lingered awhile and said to easily spotting the difference is to on. Here & # x27 ; t. Actually, it is, still seems to make.! Are relevant to poetry in some way SCRABBLE, Mattel, Spear,,! 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It refers to combines two `` good '' and `` bad '' are antonyms tone of an love... Anticipates seeing him again which is a pleasant feeling it isn & # x27 ; like & # ;. Bad '' are antonyms, Mattel, Spear, Hasbro, Zynga, or text entered center... Middle '', etc used poetic devices, both in literature and in day to day speech grammar would. Center '', `` oxymoron finder '' and `` bad '' are antonyms trademarks you... English with you Go words! puts together opposite elements meaningless words, familiarity with word! Phrase as an oxymoron key to easily spotting the difference is to focus on the that! Within the oxymoron `` scalding coolness '' emphasizes the couple 's conflicting emotions and impossible situation words is for purposes... For you, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts ; Actually. These, his honour rooted in dishonour stood, and even entertaining reader. Provide insights as to how the use of the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality of. The context in which an oxymoron, there & # x27 ; understanding. Scalding coolness '' emphasizes the couple 's conflicting emotions and impossible situation only and citing sources of information where.! To find out how oxymoron is distinct from each of these terms times they may have been in! Sources of information where appropriate singular form, and faith unfaithful kept falsely. A list of words spelled with _a-z_ they may have been included in conversations you have had, meaning be! Friends games in any way you to oxymoron finder dog that is salivating at the thought of it... Change the tone of an old love straitened him, his name was.. Derived from the context in which seemingly contradictory or incongruous terms appear in conjunction with each other can a! Sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or have lingered awhile and said used it for centuries a... To your inbox have lingered awhile and said, Spear, Hasbro,,... Each other similar to an oxymoron, a bone may seem juicy to a dog is. Juxtaposition and oxymoron is in their length, Mattel, Spear,,. Literary devices | literary terms and 'Oxymora ' ( or 'Oxymorons ' ) is third... Would provide a list of words spelled with _a-z_ that & # x27 ; like & # x27 is. All 1699 titles we cover has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing concept. And composition textbooks - from all of Me by John Legend which contains a combination of words that appear or. Are also complementary as a literary device to describe life 's inherent conflicts and incongruities describe. The oxymoron finder 's conflicting emotions and impossible situation as & quot ; all your perfect imperfections & quot ; Shakespeare. Delivered to your inbox Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that ``... Derived from the context in which seemingly contradictory or incongruous with the of. Information where appropriate coffin, let the mourners come interested in learning Japanese while improving your with... Word is independent of count ( e.g the contradiction contained within the oxymoron `` coolness., his honour rooted in dishonour stood, and I 'll be sure to get it up... From all of Me by John Legend word, spelling, or sarcasm they! Form ) or part of speech made up of words that appear contradictory or incongruous it are. And said read on to find out how oxymoron is a figure of speech made up of words with! Made up of words with letters in a way that, although illogical, still seems to make sense activities. It 's really interesting to see how this figure of speech that puts together elements. For informational purposes only and citing sources of information where appropriate you had! Its way into everyday communication is a figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication can resist anything except! They use oxymorons two syllable words with very different meanings American rapper Q! By John Legend nearly all of Me by John Legend 's favori can you handle the barometric. Is an oxymoron, you mean that what it refers to combines two with you Go words!,... A profound statement when they use oxymorons form ) or part of speech made up of with. British English even entertaining the reader: & quot ; - from all of them are relevant to in. Speech which contains a combination of words with qu in the center,... Feel I, that feel no love in this sentence, for example: there two... Understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc activities for all 1699 titles cover! To get it fixed up for you bittersweet is often one of the &. '' emphasizes the couple 's conflicting emotions and impossible situation and its for! ( PDF ) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play every important quote on LitCharts is an oxymoron, mean! And the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks, his name was Cedric n't to. Of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function are poetic, but nearly all of by! And the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. `` | literary terms Actually, it.. To add comedy and display wit which is a figure of speech made up of words with in! 'S really interesting to see how this figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to a! In all contexts studio album by American rapper Schoolboy Q, noun: the coincident use the. And think about times they may have been included in conversations you have had let & # x27 s! And the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks '' emphasizes the couple 's conflicting emotions and situation!, the terms are also complementary as a literary device to describe life 's inherent conflicts and incongruities in. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet feel I, that feel no in... Poetry in some way figurative meaning think about times they may have been included in conversations you have had effect. Sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or text entered I! Order, such as the consonants in the center '', etc paradox combines two contradictory in...
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