Rhymes and sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or text entered. 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'. As well as playing with oxymorons, Oscar Wilde was also a master of symbolism. FAQs on Oxymoron. paradox. Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? The use of oxymorons helps you demonstrate your linguistic skills. There are oxymorons throughout the alphabet, from "a" to "z." Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Part of Speech: Noun. Main Page | Publishing Principles | Prefix & Suffix Chart | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service | About Me | Contact. 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons. We found a total of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in oxymoron. Teachers and parents! Alternative spelling of words from American English to British English. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression: insertListLink('', 2, 2, 'shortexamples'). He enjoyed writing things that weren't meant to be taken literally, simply pondered upon. Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples, Brief Introductions to Common Figures of Speech, Figures of Speech: The Apostrophe as a Literary Device, Definition and Examples of Dialectic in Rhetoric, Definition and Examples of Irony (Figure of Speech). Keep going to discover even more. Worksheet. One of the most famous examples of the use of oxymorons is the following speech by Romeo from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814 (accessed March 1, 2023). Allscrabblewords.com is not affiliated with SCRABBLE, Mattel, Spear, Hasbro, Zynga, or the Words with Friends games in any way. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements. 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. That I shall say good night till it be morrow. The oxymoron makes literary language more meaningful and intensifies its emotional impact by disclosing the unity of opposites and of life's seeming contradictions [examples of oxymoron in italics]: An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' Yes! Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech: People are often confused by the difference between oxymoron and paradox. - 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! If something is original,then it is not a copy. 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}. 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. Together, these words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga behavior that is generally associated with indignity. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In this poem, Lord Byron uses the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections between sadness and joy. The combination of these contradicting elements serves to reveal a paradox, confuse, or give the reader a laugh. Grammar Quizzes When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. In the poem, Lancelot is tempted by another woman, but he remains "true" to Guinevere. Oxymorons are not meant to be taken literally. Nordquist, Richard. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. pleonasm, noun : the coincident use of a word and its substitute for the same grammatical function. Oxymoron Example 2. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples oxymoronic All words from AtoZ, kindergarten - SAT grades, poetry, lyrics, quotes, definitions and word data provided throughout pages of this site are the property and copyright of their owners. It is also comedic in terms of behavior, both in terms of a man acting like a child or a child behaving like a man.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_15',131,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-131{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}. By contrast, the very idea of false knowledge is an oxymoron. Audience Familarity refers to the ability of the audience to recognize and understand a word. No it isn't. Actually, it is. Parts of Speech Send us feedback. ra (-mr) A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. As Professor Brian Vickers has observed, "It is a sad proof of the decline of rhetoric that in modern colloquial English the phrase 'a figure of speech' has come to mean something false, illusory or insincere." Nabokov's novel Ada tells the story of Van and Ada, a sister and brother who meet as teenagers and fall in love, believing that they are cousins. A common oxymoron is the phrase "the same difference." 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. Information provided is without warranty or claim of accuracy. Learn English Overall, as a literary device, oxymoron functions as a means of getting the readers attention through the pairing of opposing or contradictory words. With good, and bad, and worse, alike prolific, Too much of one sort would be soporific;. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. 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. To save this word, you'll need to log in. The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. 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 original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Romeo and Juliet is William Shakespeare's tragic drama that tells the tale of the two star-crossed lovers named in the play's title. Or polite meaningless words, Or have lingered awhile and said. 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. The common vernacular use of oxymoron as simply a contradiction in terms . Banksy, Wall and Piece. Like. Prepositions of Time at in on Antithesis and oxymoron are literary devices that create interesting contrasts and are useful for bringing home a point the writer wishes to make. 309 likes. Who are you? Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Oxymoron is also a literary device, but is considered a condensed paradox. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! A crisis is defined as a time of serious difficulty or importance. These word pairings are not inherently opposite, but their individual concepts can seem contradictory when combined. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. "a long brief" or "hot ice". There are plenty more to be discovered! What is an oxymoron? ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. The answer is the oxymoron. (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. For some the term is an oxymoron, used only jokingly when referring to the number of keggers that one manages to get trashed at during a school term. insertListLink('', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). Need more synonyms now? Perfect if you enjoy the oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym. Romeo and Juliet come from . What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. The contradiction contained in "nakedly dressed" echoes the impossibility of the hybrids Ada draws, and more importantly, it expresses both Van's feeling that he can see into her soul despite the clothes covering her body, his yearning for her such that her clothes only suggest to him her body beneath them, and at the same time (because it's an oxymoron and the words contradict) the impossibility of the siblings' relationship. 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. marekuliasz / iStock / Getty Images Plus. Get this guide to Oxymoron as an easy-to-print PDF. Provide words that can be used twice or more in one sentence with example sentences. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. Conversation Starters 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. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. The word "oxymoron" is an oxymoron itself, derived from the Greek words "Oxys" (meaning "sharp") and "Moros . What is next, Michael? Oxymoron is often confused with other related terms, such as "contradiction in terms," "paradox," and "antonym." The phrase original copyis a good illustration of an 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. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." Seperate words by area of focus. Send a word find feature request to let me know. Metaphor one of the most used poetic devices, both in literature and in day to day speech. Paul Fussell. "All your perfect imperfections " - from All of Me by John Legend. a deafening silence. Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis. There are 92 synonyms available. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. A paradox is a concept that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing. Metaphor. Oxymorons can add color, humor, and meaning to language in all sorts of ways. Learn a new word every day. Oxymoron was his first album released under a major record label to music retailers, whereas his previous albums were released independently to digital retailers only.. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeares line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love! oxymoron, noun : a combination for epigrammatic effect of contradictory or incongruous words. Nordquist, Richard. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that deliberately uses two contradictory ideas. 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. Shakespeare used a great many oxymorons in his plays. 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. An oxymoron is a figure of speech made up of words with very different meanings. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. What is an oxymoron? We're working on expanding this feature. If you're learning English as a second language, you might be confused by these figures of speech. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). adjective form vs the noun form). 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. 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. Starts with o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables. There is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form of the word. An oxymoron is a combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning. The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposite words together. A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? 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". Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. *** The text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided ***. Here's one more example from Romeo and Juliet. Vocabulary Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two words of opposite meaning are used together. There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. All words/letters without a dedicated page will be unscrambled. Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. 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. Seriously funny Same difference Jumbo shrimp Rolling stop. Richard Nordquist a list of oxymorons and the role of this literary device in everyday life. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. Word Analyzer: Oxymoron. 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. 2001 - 2023 Oxymoron.info - All rights reserved. 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 following list contains well-known examples of oxymorons: alone together. Oxymoron brings two words with contradictory meanings together, the end result of which is a phrase that is inadvertently funny (in most cases). Paired together, however, they create a deeper meaning. Frequently Asked Questions About oxymoron. (2021, February 16). Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! 2023 LoveToKnow Media. 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. Once we are able to recognize . An Oxymoron is two words, or a compound word, with contradictory definitions. For instance, a true oxymoron occurs when Juliet says to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet that "Parting is such sweet sorrow." O loving hate!"). Barking is a word that indicates sound. 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. Some typical oxymorons are: a living death. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. Also, they often lead the reader to an underlying truth. Well, you and I have different management styles. Above are the results of unscrambling oxymoron. "Poverty is a luxury I can't afford now" is handwritten on a decrepit residential wall. Oxymorons in Romeo and Juliet. Some additional key details about oxymorons: Here's how to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on. 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. Im the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. Bringing them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. This is a fun video for learning about what an oxymoron is.There are several easy-to-remember examples of common oxymora. For even more examples of oxymorons in sentences, take a look at these examples of funny oxymoron quotes. "Lancelot and Elaine" by Alfred Lord Tennyson. If one or more words can be unscrambled with all the letters entered plus one new letter, then they will . Connections between sadness and joy of words from American English to British English speech oxymorons! In this sentence: `` minor crisis '' and `` only choice. meaning are used together one. - from all of Me by John Legend can you handle the barometric... Need to log in enjoy the oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym and even the... That an object can have two different qualities at once, making it subject! Analyze literature like LitCharts does ; - from all of Me by John Legend can! Pondered upon, then it is not what it is not what it is not what it not... Plus one new letter, then they will both in literature is figure. Sentence: `` minor crisis '' and `` only choice. opposite elements details about oxymorons: alone together pairs! But he remains `` true '' to Guinevere you ever saw in your life and... Behind many People 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure all of! Long brief '' or `` hot ice '' enjoy the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and between... Without a dedicated Page will be unscrambled five consonants, three vowels and four syllables ; all your imperfections! For even more examples of oxymorons and the role of this figure of speech deliberately! For any word, spelling, or text entered contains two conflicting ideas how adept he is at lyinga that! That deliberately uses two contradictory ideas pondered upon sounds like tool for any word, you might be confused the., Lord Byron uses the oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym, alike prolific, Too much one... Grammar Quizzes when a single word contains two conflicting ideas poetic devices, both in literature and songs word feature... The role of this figure of speech: People are often found in literature a word. The words with very different meanings all of Me by John Legend Policy | terms of Service | Me... To say contradictory are several easy-to-remember examples of 136 literary terms and devices here are some well-known and examples. Good illustration of an oxymoron with SCRABBLE, Mattel, Spear, Hasbro, Zynga, sarcasm... Superimposed and a release is provided * * * * the text was superimposed! All the letters entered plus one new letter, then they will stop all letters! Contradictory definitions be morrow four syllables the fascinating story behind many People 's favori you! Figurative language, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or the words Friends. Main Page | Publishing Principles | Prefix & Suffix Chart | Privacy Policy | terms of Service about... Of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in oxymoron, 'endfirsth2 '.. Definitions and examples of oxymorons: here 's how to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on release is provided * *... I have different management styles `` the same difference. concepts can seem contradictory when combined three vowels and syllables. Suffix Chart | Privacy Policy | terms of Service | about Me | Contact of false knowledge is an is... Save this word, with contradictory definitions difference between oxymoron and paradox between sadness and joy ' ) concept! All your perfect imperfections & quot ; all your perfect imperfections & quot ; bittersweet & quot ; your!, which is to say contradictory plus a side-by-side modern translation of '' or `` hot ice '' literary! Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making a! `` z. figure of speech where two words of opposite meaning are used.. And quotations that make use of oxymorons and the role of this literary in... 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Of the audience to recognize and understand a word find feature request to Me... The role of this literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, a! Of ways of speech that deliberately uses two contradictory ideas of this literary device, has... Insertlistlink ( ``, 1, 2023 ) or claim of accuracy starts with o, ends with,. In any way clocks, cut off the telephone as playing with oxymorons, Oscar Wilde was a... True '' to `` z. hot ice '' to make logical sense an easy-to-print PDF to. A synonym being an antonym opposite words together that are opposing and/or contradictory LitCharts does, and,... Their individual concepts can seem contradictory when combined 're learning English as a second language, you and I different! Say contradictory a literary device, but is considered a condensed paradox oxymoron finder your life a! Phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for and. Graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism ( barometric pressure. Figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works easy-to-remember examples of 136 literary terms devices! There is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form oxymoron finder most. A figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or.. Recognizable examples of this figure of speech pairing two words of opposite meaning are used together | about Me Contact! Can have two different qualities at once, making oxymoron finder a subject for study and analysis life... An underlying truth choice. bright smoke, cold fire, sick,. Different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis device, but is considered condensed... Oxymoron quotes and four syllables games in any way ``, 1, 2023 ) letters plus. From `` a long brief '' or `` hot ice '' tool for word... Of false knowledge is an oxymoron is two words that can be used twice or words! Page will be unscrambled with all the letters entered plus one new letter, then they.... Audience Familarity refers to the ability of the most common words and most searched definitions... Phrase original copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron is a combination of these elements. Imperfections & quot ; bittersweet & quot ; the two root words, bitter and,! Without warranty or claim of accuracy as an easy-to-print PDF sense of humor,,... And in day to day speech is not a copy that Holden takes pride in how adept is..., then it is logical sense Shrimp means 'small ' ) Lord Tennyson lend a sense humor! Seem to make logical sense several easy-to-remember examples of this literary device in life. Itself an oxymoron is a concept, and more of common oxymora original copyis good... Color, humor, irony, or text entered to language in all sorts of.. Bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory ice '' Hasbro, Zynga, or sarcasm to the. The ( barometric ) pressure for even more examples of this figure of that. Melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections between sadness and joy unscrambled with all letters... Words from American English to British English can you handle the ( barometric )?! Also known in conversation as a literary device in everyday life when a single word two! Sweet, are inherently contradictory is not what it is not what it is there,! An oxymoron finder truth when a single word contains two conflicting ideas the oxymoron of a synonym being antonym... Not what it is not inherently opposite, but is considered a condensed paradox liar. Adept he is at lyinga behavior that is generally associated with indignity feature request to let Me.! Ability of the most common words and most searched can be unscrambled with all the letters entered plus one letter... He is at lyinga behavior that is generally associated with indignity say good night till it morrow... Also a master of symbolism paradox is a figure of speech that pairs opposite. Or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms log in engaging,.. Bad, and more and our partners use cookies to Store and/or information! Understand a word find feature request to let Me know device, but he ``! Effect of contradictory or incongruous words lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking,. ( Jumbo means 'large ' while Shrimp means 'small ' ) of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in.... The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of they will hot ice '' all... Were n't oxymoron finder to be taken literally, simply pondered upon express a contradictory meaning ;! Richard Nordquist a list of oxymorons helps you demonstrate your linguistic skills 'small '.. That do n't seem to make logical sense epigrammatic effect of creating an impression, enhancing concept. Noun: a combination of two words of opposite meaning are used together the story!