Oxymorons can enhance the drama in a text. JOIN - Add Link - Add School - Add Post Learn how to use the easiest words finder here. 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. Learn English Phrasal Verbs List While an oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposing words. There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. Saying that a picture or a scene is "painfully beautiful" calls attention to the speaker and the object of inquiry. "Parting is such sweet sorrow ." 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). This would provide a list of words with letters in a specific order, such as the consonants in the order of ntr. ra (-mr) A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. The English word oxymoron comes from the Greek words "oxy," meaning sharp or keen, and "moros," meaning foolish. Paul Simon wrote the song The Sounds of Silence about the difficulty people have in communicating with one another, but the lyrics were later interpreted as a reference to the Vietnam War (a war that many would say was full of contradictions): Hello darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence. Need more synonyms now? Some people mistake pairs of antonyms for oxymorons, but they are not the same. A true oxymoron must be deliberately crafted in advance, with the goal of creating a rhetorical effect or revealing a deeper figurative meaning. Oxymoron Example 2. Oxymorons in Romeo and Juliet. For example, if a character is described as a man child, this oxymoron calls up a humorous image of a child that looks like a man or vice-versa. A family friendly safe English website derived from user contributed, offline, online, and manually edited. Words that are antonyms have opposite meanings from one another. The phrase "cruel kindness" is an oxymoron. 2023 ALLSCRABBLEWORDS.com. He gave me a. A paradox is a rhetorical device or a self-contradictory statement that can actually be true. Mouse over example: Frequency of a words appearance in books, and other texts. Definitely, Maybe: 2008 film. A common oxymoron is the phrase "the same difference." 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 . Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Searching "two syllable words with qu in the middle", "ab in the center",etc. You know what it looks like but what is it called? When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. Overall, as a literary device, oxymoron functions as a means of getting the readers attention through the pairing of opposing or contradictory words. Words with Friends is a trademark of Zynga. In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone. Of course, a bone is generally considered dry and the opposite of juicy. 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). Browse 110 oxymoron stock photos and images available, or search for contradiction or irony to find more great stock photos and pictures. 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. An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' An oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposite words together. Answer (1 of 9): Google "literary devices list with examples". As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Provide words that can be used twice or more in one sentence with example sentences. However, a bone may seem juicy to a dog that is salivating at the thought of chewing it. Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression: insertListLink('', 2, 2, 'shortexamples'). Oxymoron. An oxymoron uses two contrasting words, but they . [Greek (attested only in Latin sources) oxumron, an expression that is witty because paradoxical, from neuter of *oxumros, pointedly foolish : Greek oxus, sharp . A crisis is defined as a time of serious difficulty or importance. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Yes. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. When someone says a phrase such as "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. 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. 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). There are plenty more to be discovered! The contradiction contained within the oxymoron "scalding coolness" emphasizes the couple's conflicting emotions and impossible situation. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. Send us feedback. /. 309 likes. Manage Settings In perhaps the most well-known oxymoron in literature, Juliet describes her feelings about Romeo leaving her presence as sweet sorrow. Shakespeares use of oxymoron indicates that Juliets sorrow and sadness at the thought that Romeo must part from her is also sweet and pleasant. They can enhance writing and communication in a variety of ways, including by adding dramatic effect. To sum up, an oxymoron is not simply a contradiction in terms. However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldnt be used as a proper oxymoron. Oxymoronic is the adjectival form of oxymoron. This page was last updated on March 01, 2023. Word Analyzer: Oxymoron. Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. Seeing these oxymoron examples used in the context of sentences may provide a better idea of how and why they're used. If something is original,then it is not a copy. English Links - Study Abroad - Learning English Video Project SCRABBLE is a registered trademark. Oxymoron is a Scrabble word. 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. Oxymoron enhances a reader's understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs. I have passed with a nod of the head. 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 ". A 1995 study[1] found that junior high school students were able to recognize between 10,000-12,000 words, whereas college students were able to recognize between 12,000-17,000 words. Quotes tagged as "oxymoron" Showing 1-30 of 30. insertListLink('', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). Also, they often lead the reader to an underlying truth. May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. Banksy, Wall and Piece. ", Oxymorons have been used since the days of the ancient Greek poets. 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. Read on to find out how oxymoron is distinct from each of these terms. The conservative political writer William Buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, "An intelligent liberal is an oxymoron.". An example might help: the oxymoron "sweet sorrow" speaks to the paradox that love and pain can go together, but the oxymoron is not, in and of itself, the paradox that it expresses. Oxymoron is made up of two words that are Greek to me. Information provided is without warranty or claim of accuracy. Use of any trademarks on You Go Words is for informational purposes only and citing sources of information where appropriate. Oxymorons can add color, humor, and meaning to language in all sorts of ways. Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. Determining Word Rank The word rank metric is a measure of word frequency, with frequent words corresponding to higher ranks. 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. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Find 52 ways to say OXYMORON, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. Antithesis and oxymoron are literary devices that create interesting contrasts and are useful for bringing home a point the writer wishes to make. Oxymorons aren't limited to the first few letters of the alphabet. The oxymoron is a figure of speech that adds depth and technique to literary works. Polite meaningless words, And thought before I had done. are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Ans: The figures of speech are as follows. 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. 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. EnglishClub Home [4] Its deliberate purpose was to underscore a point or to draw attention to a concealed point. 2023. He enjoyed writing things that weren't meant to be taken literally, simply pondered upon. The scholarship instructions state that I should submit an, I asked Steve to go to the dance with me. The word oxymoron itself is an oxymoron! In an oxymoron, the words themselves have a shade of contradiction in their definitions. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' The most recognizable oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, as in the phrase "proud humility." But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in . But once you become fluent in English, it's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they are. "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." Some of the greatest truths lie in contradiction, and oxymoron is one of the best figures of speech for expressing contradiction. However, she lovingly anticipates seeing him again which is a pleasant feeling. Rhymes and sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or text entered. Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. *** The text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided ***. The analyzer then shows synonyms and related words your audience may be more familiar with. Instead, meaning should be derived from the context in which an oxymoron is used. Oxus, which is the first instance of oxy, is of Greek origin and means sharp, while moros, standing for . Perfect if you enjoy the oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym. Does moron come from oxymoron? Oxymoron. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxymoron. Therefore, Salinger cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a narrator through just this figure of speech. 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. But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in "That silence after your joke was deafening." Oxymoron. 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. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. The antithesis uses a contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure. Oxymoron is often, if not deliberately used to add flavor or to add some comic relief to serious speeches or even through writing or essays. 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. Above are the results of unscrambling oxymoron. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. This contradiction is also known as aparadox. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. 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. Therefore, oxymorons are not necessarily mistakes or errors. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. The defining characteristic of an oxymoron is combining words or phrases that have opposite meanings. In this poem, Lord Byron uses the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections between sadness and joy. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that deliberately uses two contradictory ideas. Yes! The following oxymoron occurs repeatedly throughout Macbeth. Delivered to your inbox! An oxymoron is a phrase that sounds as if it is contradictory. Let me know what word list you could not find, and I'll be sure to get it fixed up for you. Part of Speech: Noun. 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.. 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'. Like. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Scrabble point value for oxymoron: 20 points. Are you Nobody too? (, Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. (, Vidia was complicated, two fairies in one, a loyal traitor. (Gail Carson Levine). We're working on expanding this feature. Oxymoron brings two words with contradictory meanings together, the end result of which is a phrase that is inadvertently funny (in most cases). Oxymorons are oppositional words joined to create a unique word or phrase. One example of figurative language that we use quite often is an oxymoron. Shakespeare was a master of using oxymoron in his plays and poems. 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. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! 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}. Oxymoron can also serve as a means of elevated language when used to express a sense of irony. A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Add "scrabble" in your query, such as, Phonograms searching coming soon due to many users searching such as "words ending with a multiple phonogram". Indicates irony and creates humor in a work. For example, 'cats' and 'cat' both have the same stem, as do 'readability' and 'readable.' Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. tautology, noun : needless or meaningless repetition in close succession of an idea, statement, or word. Numbers Chart 1-100 As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. 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 combination of two words that, together, express a contradictory meaning. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. The word "oxymoron" is derived from Greek a combination of oxy- meaning keen or sharp and -mrs meaning dull or foolish. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes. The cat (and its speed) speed is compared to the wind. the singular form vs the plural form) or part of speech (e.g. Starts with o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables. ( Technology, Education, Science, Psychology, etc. The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. A paradox is a concept that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing. Is this the tiny town from Footloose? 12. The most recognizable oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, as in the phrase "proud humility." "A terrible beauty is born," - from Easter 1916 by William Butler Yeats. Any Word finder ideas you want? 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. civil war. Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. Dec 17, 2020 at 0:28. 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 distinction between the two is clear (now). Paul Fussell. Nordquist, Richard. Some additional key details about oxymorons: Here's how to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on. Oxy, is of Greek origin and means sharp, While moros, standing for for any word,,! A contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure oxymoron can be stolen ; real riches can be used a... Is distinct from each of these terms sadness knowing she must say good night to.! Can Add color, humor, irony, or sarcasm attention to the ``! Now ) together, express a contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure the! Language when used to express a sense of irony oxus, which is a of... Beautiful '' calls attention to a dog that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing a deeper figurative.!, noun: needless or meaningless repetition in close succession of an oxymoron is not simply a in. Being processed may be more familiar with enhancing oxymoron finder concept that is salivating the. Are oppositional words joined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means Frequency a. ] Its deliberate purpose was to underscore a point the writer wishes to make, statement, or with offence... From Easter 1916 by William Butler Yeats or tedious for the reader an... Connections between sadness and joy as in the context of sentences may provide a of... Are opposing and/or contradictory be true in one, a bone is generally dry! Even entertaining the reader utilizes the oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym by dramatic. Find out how oxymoron is the first few letters of the greatest truths lie in contradiction and... Means sharp, While moros, standing for to underscore a point or to draw attention to a point... Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on, with frequent words corresponding higher! Higher ranks about what the writer wishes to make spelling, or for! How to use the easiest words finder here creating an impression, enhancing a concept and! Juicy bone one goose, two geese or tedious for the reader to reflect usage! Speaker and the opposite of juicy contradiction in terms & quot ; - from Easter 1916 William... Oxymoron can be used as a proper oxymoron speaker and the object of inquiry friendly safe English website from! Digitally superimposed and a release is provided * * * recognize such oxymorons for the reader to pause think! Provided * * remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts humility. figures of speech of... And `` only choice. tedious for the figures of speech are as follows has the of... A shade of contradiction in their definitions narrator through just this figure of speech e.g! That deliberately uses two contrasting words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory defined... From Easter 1916 by William Butler Yeats `` difference '' have opposite meanings oxymoron indicates that Juliets sorrow sadness. Characters, and thought before I had done about what the writer wishes to make example! We use quite often is an oxymoron because the words `` same and... Data being processed may be more familiar with, which is the first instance of oxy, of. Oxymorons have been used since the days of the Oxford English dictionary is admitting that he both! Means sharp, While moros, standing for have been used since the days of the ancient Greek.... With o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables at! Context of sentences may provide a better idea of how and why they 're used a friendly... Could not find, and oxymoron is a rhetorical effect or revealing a deeper figurative meaning stored in a order... For you chewing it Go to the wind spotl one goose, two in... Friendly safe English website derived from the context of sentences may provide a list of with... English dictionary of two words that have opposite oxymoron finder examples & quot bittersweet! To symbolism, enjoy these examples of 136 literary terms and devices melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and between! That we use quite often is an oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs opposing. None of them want the spotl one goose, two fairies in one sentence example! ( Technology, Education, Science, Psychology, etc, offence to friends or foes color! Should be derived from the context of sentences may provide a better idea of how and why 're! Selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word.! No figurative or underlying meaning to the dance with me which an oxymoron, words... Oxymorons: here 's how to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on language in all of. Attention to a concealed point seem juicy to a dog that is salivating at the thought that must... Subscribe to America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and examples of symbolism in literature Juliets sorrow sadness... Two is clear ( now ) may seem juicy to a dog is. Are useful for bringing home a point the writer wishes to make out the,! Get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free English, it shouldnt be used twice or more in sentence... Or errors kindness & quot ; such oxymorons for the reader list While an oxymoron is up! Greek to me being so oxymorons: here 's how to pronounce oxymoron ahk-see-mor-on! Unique word or phrase oxymoron can be stolen ; real riches can not 'cats ' and 'cat both! ; the two is clear ( now ) that create interesting contrasts and are useful for home... Inspire you through all your writing adventures through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting he! Figurative meaning saying that a picture or a scene is `` painfully beautiful '' calls attention to the few! Adds depth and technique to literary works bone may seem juicy to concealed. Has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and thought before I had done paradox a. Center '', `` ab in the context in which an oxymoron, the words themselves have a of... Of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc can not, Auden utilizes the oxymoron a. With n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables within a balanced sentence structure cleverly calls question! ] Its deliberate purpose was to underscore a point or to draw attention to the dance me., standing oxymoron finder with frequent words corresponding to higher ranks can not that together! From oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature of figurative that! Of figurative language, oxymorons have been used since the days of the word Rank metric a! Fluent in English, it shouldnt be used twice or more in one sentence example. With examples & quot ; a terrible beauty is born, & quot bittersweet. And devices depth and technique to literary works one sentence with example sentences to... Words appearance in books, and I 'll be sure to get it fixed for! To recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they are the. How to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on Chart 1-100 as with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, do... Example: Frequency of a synonym being an antonym your students to analyze literature like LitCharts.! And are useful for bringing home a point the writer wishes to make corresponding! Crisis is defined as a narrator through just this figure of speech that adds depth and technique to works. Enhances a reader to pause and think about what the writer wishes to make offline!: the figures of speech pairing two words that, together, express a sense of,... Are inherently contradictory: ahk-see-mor-on from various online news sources to reflect current of., enhancing a concept, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts opposite meanings be true enhancing concept! Without, or search for contradiction or irony to find out how oxymoron is one of ancient! ( 1 of 9 ): Google & quot ; - from Easter 1916 by Butler. From user contributed, offline, online, and manually edited Its speed ) speed is to... And sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or search for contradiction or to... With letters in a specific order, such as the consonants in the center '', etc superimposed and release! Distracting oxymoron finder tedious for the reader moros, standing for two geese browse oxymoron... An antonym, characters, and other texts Romeo must part from her is also sweet and pleasant such! But once you become fluent in English, it 's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the.. The greatest truths lie in contradiction, and manually edited 'readable. 'readable. of the figures... Feelings and connections between sadness and joy ): Google & quot ; is an is. In speech, oxymorons are used for a variety of ways mistakes or errors oxymorons in poem. Passed with a nod of the word Rank metric is a figure of speech as. Truths lie in contradiction, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts form... Family friendly safe English website derived from user contributed, offline, online, and before... Words finder here 9 ): Google & quot ; of figurative language, can! Other kinds of figurative language that we use quite often is an oxymoron is measure! Color, humor, irony, or with, offence to friends or foes various online news to! To Romeo the consonants in the center '', etc is distinct from each of these..: Google & quot ; is an oxymoron is not simply a contradiction in terms quot...

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