[20] Shellfish. When we think of oxymorons, we often think of two-word phrases with seemingly opposite components, like "alone together" or "sweet sorrow." The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. Common examples of oxymorons include cruel kindness, open secret, and jumbo shrimp . A common oxymoron is the phrase "the same difference." 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Slow and steady wins the race. Im the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. 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. With the first oxymoron,"perfect imperfections," the speaker is making it clear that his lovers flaws are ultimately what make her the perfect partner for him. up next, we take a look at oxymoron examples in sentences from literature and pop culture. Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. O loving hate!"). Terrific has positive connotations, as in wonderful or extraordinarily great. She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | l | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z A B C cafeteria food calculated error calculated risk calculated spontaneity But if the statement is true, then it cant be false, despite the fact it claims to be! J. R. R. Tolkien interpreted his own surname as derived from the Low German equivalent of dull-keen (High German toll-khn) which would be a literal equivalent of Greek oxy-moron. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This list is in no way comprehensive, and just aims at giving you an idea as to what oxymora are. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. One goose, two geese. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that is made up of two or more words that seem to be the opposite of each other or truly are opposite of each other. It was featured notably by Leonardo da Vinci in such works as The Adoration of the Magi (ca. The word follows an earlier obsolete noun dingthrift, with ding meaning to deal blows to, knock down, or beat., We couldnt have a list of oxymorons without mentioning oxymoron itself. Think jumbo shrimp. the word nascar is an oxymoron mars 15, 2021 by 0 Comments 0 View. Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. Check out the oxymoron definition. These 50+ oxymoron examples are listed alphabetically and arranged by category (i.e., the type of oxymoron word combination). In a 2009 article called "Daredevil", Garry Wills accused William F. Buckley of popularising this trend, based on the success of the latter's claim that "an intelligent liberal is an oxymoron. "beggarly riches" (John Donne),[14] Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Katie McCabe, TimeOut London, 20 Apr. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two seemingly contradictory or opposite ideas to create a certain rhetorical or poetic effect and reveal a deeper truth. Also, they often lead the reader to an underlying truth. the word nascar is an oxymoron. These word pairs, though actually opposite in meaning, are put together so that the meaning that they are trying to put forward is emphasized. There are a number of single-word oxymorons built from "dependent morphemes"[9] (i.e. But pairing it with deafening gives silence a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. Theme music by Joshua Stamper 2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP. Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. [19], "Comical oxymoron" is a term for the claim, for comical effect, that a certain phrase or expression is an oxymoron (called "opinion oxymorons" by Lederer (1990)[9]). "hateful good" (Chaucer, translating odibile bonum)[12] 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. Oxymorons is now more common in print than oxymora, but you'll find the latter listed in most dictionaries. An Oxymoron is two words, or a compound word, with contradictory definitions. Find 52 ways to say OXYMORON, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. 1828 Words at Play Internal Conflict: The One-Word Oxymoron When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. The following is a list for kids who too are struggling to get the correct contradictory set of words together for an assignment or project. Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. and That I shall say good night till it be morrow. Want to learn more about figures of speech, besides oxymorons and paradoxes? But in some instances, a single word is all it takes. Consider the common oxymorons and think about times they may have been included in conversations you have had. Learn a new word every day. A paradox is a statement or argument that seems to be contradictory or to go against common sense, but that is yet perhaps still truefor example, "less is more.". Oxymorons in the narrow sense are a rhetorical device used deliberately by the speaker, and intended to be understood as such by the listener. Many oxymora are simple to understand and interpret their hidden meaning. 4 Answers. . As rhetorical devices, oxymorons have been used in many different mediums from political speeches to novels to stage plays. "Saturday Night Live transcripts." May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. (2021, February 16). Oxymoron can also serve as a means of elevated language when used to express a sense of irony. The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. Oxymorons are often used in everyday conversation and ina breadth of writing, such as literature, poetry, and songwriting. Oxymoron is sometimes used to describe a word combination that strikes the listener as humorously contradictory, even if the speaker didn't intend it that way. oxymoron, a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. O heavy lightness, serious vanity! Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: All the pain he had endured was as nothing compared with the exquisite agony of this. Nordquist, Richard. This contradiction is also known as aparadox. brennan boesch career earnings cameron boyce funeral cameron boyce funeral Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. Check out Tutorbase! The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective followed by a noun with contrasting meanings. They are known as oxymora, and in this article, you will find an oxymoron list, which will give you some really good and yet, funny oxymora so that you can understand the concept better. The word combines two of the five taste sensations, the others being salty, sour, and savory (umami). An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two seemingly contradictory or opposite ideas to create a certain rhetorical or poetic effect and reveal a deeper truth. Despite what it might sound like, noan oxymoron isnt something you can call your little brother when hes bugging you. In 1778, the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier (1743-94) proposed for the recently discovered element the name . Indeed, oxymorons are often used to make fun of an idea, person, or . All rights reserved. The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. This famous quotation from Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet contains an equally famous oxymoron. An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two terms seem contradictory. "conventionally unconventional", "tortuous spontaneity" (Henry James)[17] Mom, and True Lies.. PDF. Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). (see what we did there? The audience was a failure. One moose, two moose. tautology, noun : needless or meaningless repetition in close succession of an idea, statement, or word. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxymoron. This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. Rowdy, a new documentary on Amazon Freevee, tells the story of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch's life and career, largely focused on his chase for the 2015 Cup Series Championship. That makes oxymorons a serious option in word choice. Oxymorons are common in everyday speech. Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: With loads of learned lumber in his head . What ACT target score should you be aiming for? mars 15, 2021 . If you're referring to oxymoron in plural, both oxymorons and oxymora are correct. It comes from the Greek words osks, meaning sharp or keen, and mors meaning dull or foolish. ThoughtCo. It makes more sense when you read the thrift in spendthrift as a noun that can refer to the savings that one has accumulated through the careful management of money. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. The most common form of oxymoron involves an adjectivenoun combination of two words, but they can also be devised in the meaning of sentences or phrases. The lyrics of this powerful piano ballad make use of several oxymorons. They can enhance writing and communication in a variety of ways, including by adding dramatic effect. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings, like "old news," "deafening silence," or "organized chaos." Oxymorons may seem illogical at first, but in context they usually make sense. [1][2] A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. When a single word contains two conflicting 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. One example of a skillful oxymoron isreal fake.