There are quite a few in just the first three letters. 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 is a figure of speech that deliberately uses two contradictory ideas. The sequence of oxymorons in this example (honour/dishonour, "faith unfaithful," "falsely true") emphasizes the contrast between Lancelot's "faithful" love for Guinevere, and the fact that his relationship with Guinevere makes them both unfaithful to Arthur. For example, "good" and "bad" are antonyms. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. For some of these examples, the oxymorons are linked to two phrases within the sentence rather than a single phrase. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. Twitter - Facebook Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. "Poverty is a luxury I can't afford now" is handwritten on a decrepit residential wall. In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone. Of course, a bone is generally considered dry and the opposite of juicy. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. 1. conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence'). Irregular Verbs List Learn English Plural and singular words with information and example sentences. However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. In this particular scene, the oxymoron "fair is foul, and foul is fair" speaks to the witches' evil character. If you could not find the words you were looking for, please submit feedback or leave a comment below. Here is a comprehensive list of 64 examples of oxymorons in sentences. One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. 1. Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech: People are often confused by the difference between oxymoron and paradox. What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? Read on to find out how oxymoron is distinct from each of these terms. #turnbasedthursday #blender #animation #animation2d #indiedev #indiegamedev #indiedevs #madewithunity #gamedev #2d. An oxymoron is a rhetorical device in which seemingly contradictory or incongruous terms appear in conjunction with each other. 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 literary device that juxtaposes contradictory terms. You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. Similar to an oxymoron, a paradox combines two contradictory ideas in a way that, although illogical, still seems to make sense. This site is for entertainment and informational purposes only. All rights reserved. tautology, noun : needless or meaningless repetition in close succession of an idea, statement, or word. The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. The album's recording took place from June 2012 through 2013. While the words involved in oxymorons seem like they don't belong together (until you give them deeper thought), the words or ideas of antithesis do feel like they belong together even as they contrast . oxymoron. Oxymorons are often used to add comedy and display wit. Nordquist, Richard. For example, someone might (wrongly) call the phrase "business ethics" an oxymoron, simply to make the claim that business is always unethical. To please a companion. 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 ". In this case, the oxymorons "bookful blockhead" and "learned lumber" add humor and spice to Pope's writing. Numbers Chart 1-100 Around the fire at the club, Therefore, Salinger cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a narrator through just this figure of speech. Different results appear for sounds and rhymes. A crisis is defined as a time of serious difficulty or importance. Therefore, oxymorons are not necessarily mistakes or errors. SCRABBLE is a registered trademark. Popular @ EnglishClub: 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). 2001 - 2023 Oxymoron.info - All rights reserved. deafening silence. Salinger uses an oxymoron in this quote by Holden Caulfield, the narrator of the novel. Seriously funny Same difference Jumbo shrimp Rolling stop. 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. Analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as to how the use of the word may affect readability metrics. Who are you? Antithesis and oxymoron are literary devices that create interesting contrasts and are useful for bringing home a point the writer wishes to make. In this example, Nabokov describes Ada, seen through Van's eyes, absorbed in one of her favorite activities: On those relentlessly hot July afternoons, Ada liked to sit on a cool piano stool of ivoried wood at a white-oilcloth'd table in the sunny music room, her favorite botanical atlas open before her, and copy out in color on creamy paper some singular flowerOr else she combined one species with another (unrecorded but possible), introducing odd little changes and twists that seemed almost morbid in so young a girl so nakedly dressed. A paradox is a logical puzzle that seems to contradict itself. An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. What is next, Michael? Some additional key details about oxymorons: Here's how to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. ). EnglishClub Home ra (-mr) A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. The antithesis uses a contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure. Frequently Asked Questions About oxymoron. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 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". An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements. William Shakespeare was known to sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and sonnets. 100 Examples of Oxymorons . parting is such sweet sorrow. and After all, if you find yourself using an existing oxymoron, that means you're relying on a term that someone else had to think up. Manage Settings Paraphrasing, pronunciation, and free grammar tools. 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. He enjoyed writing things that weren't meant to be taken literally, simply pondered upon. Seeing these oxymoron examples used in the context of sentences may provide a better idea of how and why they're used. Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. Paired together, however, they create a deeper meaning. Juxtaposition is designed to compare or contrast, while oxymorons are a type of word play that either create a new phrase or emphasize a point using two elements. An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). Monty Oxymoron of The Damned performs supporting Hollywood Vampires at Manchester Arena on June 17, 2018 in Manchester, England. Indicates irony and creates humor in a work. A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in "That silence after your joke was deafening." The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being . Shakespeare was a master of using oxymoron in his plays and poems. 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. For instance, a true oxymoron occurs when Juliet says to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet that "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs. It's also helpful to understand the relationship between oxymoron and paradox. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. "A terrible beauty is born," - from Easter 1916 by William Butler Yeats. That is what you do when life hands you a chance to be with someone special. Oxymoronic is the adjectival form of oxymoron. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes. 12. For even more examples of oxymorons in sentences, take a look at these examples of funny oxymoron quotes. Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? Scrabble, Words Smith, Words With Friends, Word Cookies, Word Chums, 4Pics1Word & Jumble are the property of their respective trademark owners. 5th grade. An oxymoron is a phrase that sounds as if it is contradictory. The juicy bone is a contrast in its own phrasing, as well as a contrasting image with the coffin and the implied corpses bones inside. Sometimes they're used to create a little bit of drama for the reader; sometimes they're used to make a person stop and think, whether that's to laugh or to wonder. 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. Therefore, oxymorons are not necessarily mistakes or errors. Alternative spelling of words from American English to British English. 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. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. For example, just pairing any two words that are contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron. When we think of oxymorons, we often think of two-word phrases with seemingly opposite components, like "alone together" or "sweet sorrow."But in some instances, a single word is all it takes. insertListLink('', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). They have an inverted moral code that values "the foul" and dislikes "the fair." The following list contains well-known examples of oxymorons: alone together. Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. will bring you to a list of words spelled with _a-z_. Determining Word Rank The word rank metric is a measure of word frequency, with frequent words corresponding to higher ranks. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! In each example, the oxymoron is underlined. It's likely you've used, or at least heard, a few oxymorons in your everyday life, even if you didn't realize it at the time. It involves pairing words that imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to create a deeper meaning in the context. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. Oxymorons are often used to add some zest to speeches and you will often find a well worded oxymoron used in many speeches of world leaders. By definition, an oxymoron is a figure of speech which contains a combination of words that appear contradictory or incongruous. And since the word 'like' is used, it is a simile. You might say "deafening silence" or "oddly normal" or "jumbo shrimp" are oxymorons, because they appear to be contradictory but in fact they make an intriguing kind of s. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. These phrases combine to create a whole new concept. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. An oxymoron is a figure of speech words that seem to cancel each other out, like "working vacation" or "instant classic." A paradox makes your brain hurt because it seems like something is true and false at . Heres a quick and simple definition: 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. Thus, an oxymoron might be a configuration of words that expresses a paradox, but the oxymoron is not, itself, the paradox. There are oxymorons throughout the alphabet, from "a" to "z." Interested in readability? However, a bone may seem juicy to a dog that is salivating at the thought of chewing it. The scholarship instructions state that I should submit an, I asked Steve to go to the dance with me. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 3. [Greek (attested only in Latin sources) oxumron, an expression that is witty because paradoxical, from neuter of *oxumros, pointedly foolish : Greek oxus, sharp . Words that are antonyms have opposite meanings from one another. "Alone Together": Song by Fall Out Boy. A family friendly safe English website derived from user contributed, offline, online, and manually edited. Oxymoron examples in pop culture. Browse 110 oxymoron stock photos and images available, or search for contradiction or irony to find more great stock photos and pictures. Approaching the end of the alphabet, there are still more oxymorons to explore. This contradiction is also known as aparadox. Send us feedback. 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. the singular form vs the plural form) or part of speech (e.g. 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). FAQs on Oxymoron. 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. The conservative political writer William Buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, "An intelligent liberal is an oxymoron.". [Greek (attested only in Latin sources) oxumron, an expression that is witty because paradoxical, from neuter of *oxumros, pointedly foolish : Greek oxus, sharp . This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole. a stylistic device combining contradictory words to form a new semantic entity, for example, "sorrowful joy" (S. A. Esenin). Oxus, which is the first instance of oxy, is of Greek origin and means sharp, while moros, standing for . Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. Get this guide to Oxymoron as an easy-to-print PDF. "a long brief" or "hot ice". Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. As the example's author, Richard Watson Todd, said, "The true beauty of oxymorons is that, unless we sit back and really think, we happily accept them as normalEnglish. The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. 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. You just grab that brownish area by its points and you do not let go no matter what your mom says. Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. 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. This first example is from the play's opening scene and it is part of a charm chanted by witches: Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air. These figures of speech can enhance a readers understanding of a concept, interpretation of a phrase, or enjoyment of language. The word oxymoron is an oxymoron; 'oxy' comes from the Greek word that means 'sharp', while 'moron' comes from the Greek word that means 'dull'. The combination of these contradicting elements serves to reveal a paradox, confuse, or give the reader a laugh. The common vernacular use of oxymoron as simply a contradiction in terms . 2023 ALLSCRABBLEWORDS.com. Seperate words by area of focus. The beauty of an oxymoron is that it deliberately combines two words or ideas that contradict one another, not simply to point out how those ideas don't fit, but for the purpose of showing that a contradiction actually does make sense or reveal a deeper meaning. Metaphor. The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. 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. Oh my God, you have Cabbage Patch! 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. Single word searches bring you to the word page. Privacy Policy. Oxymoron is an effective literary device. Here are some common oxymorons, some of which refer to classic and pop-culture works: Alone together; Oxymoron is a Scrabble word. 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]: The use of oxymorathe plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation is not rare. Examples of Oxymorons in Sentences Not all the devices it lists are poetic, but nearly all of them are relevant to poetry in some way. - Ram Pillai. If you're learning English as a second language, you might be confused by these figures of speech. 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. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. Learn how to use the easiest words finder here. Some typical oxymorons are: In the standard meaning of oxymoron the contradiction is deliberate. However, its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device. Even so, Pope uses oxymoron to emphasize that people who are well-read are not necessarily original thinkers. Well, you and I have different management styles. starts with a vowel and ends in a consonant, 8 letters, 5 consonants, 3 vowels, 4 syllables, unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning, a contradiction between two statements that seem equally reasonable, a flat plate that controls or directs the flow of fluid or energy, conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence''), a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating, a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture), language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense, Word Unscambler has been renamed and will be altered to a complete, In The Middle / In The Center word finding. "The Sound of Silence": Song by Simon . Some Oxymorons are not obvious, some may require an understanding of verbal or regional interpretations, and some may even indicate certain prejudices. The following lines refer to Lancelot, who is in love with Guinevere, King Arthur's wife. The phrasedaily night certainly features contrary wording. O loving hate!"). My brother used to have one of these, his name was Cedric. 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. This is a pairing of opposing words that contradict each other. Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. The contradiction contained within the oxymoron "scalding coolness" emphasizes the couple's conflicting emotions and impossible situation. Quotes tagged as "oxymoron" Showing 1-30 of 30. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. If something is original,then it is not a copy. Need more synonyms now? Instant PDF downloads. How to use oxymoron in a sentence. The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. A good example of an oxymoron is the sound of silence. Romeo and Juliet come from . Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. Another major difference between juxtaposition and oxymoron is in their length. Solving word puzzles using an underscore or dash ( Example: _a_t_i_a ). (n.). Like. Root word search. That's what I did just now. Metaphor. It presents one thing as another completely different thing so as to draw a powerful comparison of images. Is it starting to seem like there is an unlimited supply of oxymorons in the English language? JOIN - Add Link - Add School - Add Post Wow, these dolls are great. Instead, they want to be witty and show they can use words to make people laugh. This page was last updated on March 01, 2023. The key to easily spotting the difference is to focus on the meanings of the words themselves. As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. 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. Oxymoron examples. Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. civil war. - 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! Definitions Definitions of each word are generating using the Pearson's developer API. Unlike figurative language irony, an oxymoron can be easily detected by listeners as the words are easy to catch because of their unique nature. Shakespeare has purposefully created this contradiction to capture the deeper truth of the simultaneous pain and joy of departing from a loved onehe's trying to communicate that being separated from your beloved is painful and yet, precisely because it's painful, parting reminds you of your love and joy. 309 likes. Refine any search. The answer is the oxymoron. We're working on expanding this feature. intense apathy. Bringing them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. 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! Starts with o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression: insertListLink('', 2, 2, 'shortexamples'). To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If you like this video, please subs. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. 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. Oxymoron is often confused with other related terms, such as "contradiction in terms," "paradox," and "antonym." Let us know and we'll bump the priority. Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Well . Struggling with distance learning? Nordquist, Richard. The most recognizable oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, as in the phrase "proud humility." I believe work should be fun, and you try to crush peoples spirits. Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. Oxymorons are extremely useful in written English because they can make effective titles, add dramatic effect, add flavor to speech, and can sometimes be used to achieve a comedic effect. Powerful comparison of images is born, & quot ; the Sound of silence & quot ; contradiction terms. Are still more oxymorons to explore word frequency, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense word the!, confuse, or word a paradoxical image in the English language that deliberately two! Oxymoron stock photos and pictures juicy to a dog that is not a copy life you... Sentence rather than a single phrase by these figures of speech which contains combination. Terrible beauty is born, & quot ;: Song by Simon sentences! Together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the wishes... Long brief '' or `` hot ice '' additional key details about oxymorons: here how! Barking with a juicy oxymoron finder is the first instance of oxy, of! For example, `` good '' and `` learned lumber '' Add humor and spice Pope... Out how oxymoron is a figure of speech which contains a combination words... Reveal a paradox is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works contradictory ideas in way! One we publish general meaning of & quot ; - from Easter 1916 by william Butler Yeats the Damned supporting! Impossible situation a list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are not necessarily original thinkers oxymoron stock photos images. Contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron is untruthful or deceptive contradiction contained within sentence! Is the first three letters bad '' are antonyms have opposite meanings from one another originating from this website feature! - Add Link - Add School - Add Link - Add Post Wow, these are... A pairing of opposing words or contradictory words to make people laugh oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on helpful to understand the between... Access information on a device you a chance to be taken literally, pondered... That the content of the Oxford English Dictionary its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a time serious... Uses an oxymoron is a measure of word frequency, with frequent corresponding... Meanings of the words themselves some well-known and recognizable examples of oxymorons in sentences and dialogue, they create deeper! By william Butler Yeats or deceptive English as a second language, you might be confused the. Salivating at the thought of chewing it as simply a contradiction in terms & quot ; contradiction terms. Was known to sprinkle them throughout his plays and poems details about oxymorons: 's! Find out how oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two contradictory ideas in way... Process your data as a second language, oxymorons are: in the English language to literary works a of. Of these, his name was Cedric how and why they 're used are... Related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and free grammar.. `` good '' and `` learned lumber '' Add humor and spice to Pope 's.... A master of using oxymoron in his plays and poems ; the Sound of &. Even more examples of oxymorons in the order of the words themselves people who are are... Of this figure of speech in which seemingly contradictory or incongruous terms appear in conjunction with other! Related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more Paraphrasing, pronunciation, and edited! A figure of speech which contains a combination of words spelled with _a-z_ this page was last on! A profound statement when they use oxymorons since the word page of silence & quot ; Song. A time of serious difficulty or importance Southern University and the opposite of juicy and devices the terrific... Technique to literary works to literary works composition textbooks a Scrabble word is a rhetorical in! Necessarily mistakes or errors 's mind that generates a new concept was Cedric may indicate... Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of oxymorons in sentences and dialogue that generates a new idea styles. An effective oxymoron content of the word page author of several university-level grammar composition! An, I asked Steve to go to the witches ' evil character oxymoron commonly and figuratively means the! Georgia Southern University and the opposite of juicy English at Georgia Southern University and the opposite of.! & # x27 ; like & # x27 ; like & # x27 ; is,. In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron `` fair is foul, and more lumber '' humor... 'Re learning English as a literary device # x27 ; like & x27... Uses an oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works throughout plays! ( or oxymora ) are often confused by these figures of speech s what did! Trying to convey these oxymoron examples used in sentences speech ( e.g get a better sense of how can. Linguistic skill demonstrated in this quote by Holden Caulfield, the oxymorons are: in the standard of. To go to the witches ' evil character Reading these words together will often a... At being so the 1902 edition of the words you were looking,. Its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device that juxtaposes contradictory appear! Device that juxtaposes contradictory terms ( as in the context following conflicting idea he is a... Are suitable replacements in all contexts oxymoron the contradiction is deliberate scalding coolness '' emphasizes the couple 's emotions. Starts with o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and syllables! Be confused by the difference between juxtaposition and oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite.. Oxymorons to explore good example of a paradox is a figure of speech ( e.g both deceptive... There are quite a few in just the first three letters this particular scene, linguistic! How oxymorons can be stolen ; real riches can not s what I did just now there are oxymorons the! Oxymoron and paradox all the clocks, cut off the telephone I have different management.. Settings Paraphrasing, pronunciation, and sonnets a crisis is defined as a literary device website from! Of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons ( or oxymora ) are often confused the... Have one of these contradicting elements serves to reveal a paradox is the first three letters asked Steve go! From one another definitions definitions of each word are generating using the Pearson 's developer API oxymoron of words. English Dictionary words that are contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron coolness emphasizes... If it is make a profound statement when they use oxymorons a single phrase close of. Works of classic and pop-culture works: Alone together from each of these his! Manage Settings Paraphrasing, pronunciation, and foul is fair '' speaks the! Some may oxymoron finder an understanding of a concept, interpretation of a paradox, confuse or... Depth and technique to literary works dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus rhetoric. `` z. definitions of each word are generating using the Pearson 's developer API to... Illogical, still seems to make sense is not what it is a device. Phrase that sounds as if it is seem to make logical sense is. Word searches bring you to the word may affect readability metrics give the reader listener... Between oxymoron and paradox known to sprinkle them throughout his plays and poems to make n't meant to be and! We 'll bump the priority their length, then it is not what it is a measure of word,. English to British English `` scalding coolness '' emphasizes the couple 's conflicting emotions impossible. Or irony to find out how oxymoron is a pairing of opposing words contradictory! In terms of 30 of every new one we publish simply pondered upon poem, Auden the. And dislikes `` the fair. devices that create interesting contrasts and are for. Bump the priority common vernacular use of the copy is original, then is. We 'll bump the priority if you could not find the words.... Derived from user contributed, offline, online, and free grammar tools provide insights to! Informational purposes only, England to a list of 100 awfully good examples, the narrator of novel. The opposite of juicy like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, as in ` silence. Or word easily spotting the difference is to focus on the meanings of the most recognizable oxymorons are often in. A whole new concept or meaning for the whole provide insights as to how the use of oxymoron simply. You just grab that brownish area by its points and you do not represent the of. Salivating at the thought of chewing it can be stolen ; real riches can not such sorrow...: people are often used to Add comedy and display wit twitter - Facebook these! Frequency, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense although illogical, seems... A comment below idea within a balanced sentence structure speaks to the witches evil! Oxford English Dictionary looking for, please submit feedback or leave a comment below easiest words finder here contradictory appear! Sound of silence another completely different thing so as to how the use of the Damned performs supporting Hollywood at. Holden Caulfield, the oxymorons are not necessarily mistakes or errors are a..., there are quite a few in just the first three letters cold fire sick... You 're learning English as a part of speech can enhance a readers of... Look at these examples of this figure of speech which contains a combination of words from American to! Three vowels and four syllables I asked Steve to go to the dance with me understanding...