He was very warmly thanked both by mother and daughter; to escape a little from the latter, he went to the pianoforte, and begged Miss Fairfax, who was still sitting at it, to play something more. One classic example of the use of oxymorons in English literature can be found in this example from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, where Romeo strings together thirteen in a row: O brawling love! "wise-foolish"). Oxymoron is an effective literary device. Nothing else. One of the most famous examples of the use of oxymorons is the following speech by Romeo from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: The term "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron as it derives from the Greek "oxus" (sharp) and "moros" (stupid). Oxymoron Definitions The dictionary definition of oxymoron is:- A rhetorical figure of speech in which contradictory terms are paired, for example, alone together, current history or boneless ribs. Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: With loads of learned lumber in his head . (2021, February 16). Wills argues that use of the term "oxymoron" should remain reserved for the conscious use of contradiction to express something that is "surprisingly true". More than a few have even become commonplace expressions in modern-day English, such as these oxymoron examples: As with other literary devices like metaphor, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole, oxymorons have a few different purposes in writing, all of which are quite useful in the right situation: As a contradiction of terms, an oxymoron both stands out and also elicits critical thinking. Or plastic silverware. Merriam-Webster defines an oxymoron as a rhetorical device in which a combination of contradictory or incongruous words is used in conjunction.
The Greek expression "to oxymoron" refers, literally, to the "acutely mad". )[10] or sopho-more (an artificial Greek compound, lit. O loving hate! Indeed, oxymorons are often used to make fun of an idea, person, or . 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. Here are some of our favorite oxymoron examples. Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech: People are often confused by the difference between oxymoron and paradox. [11], Other examples from English-language literature include:
Oxymoron Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster The main topic of this poem is the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, an event during whichnumerous Irish nationalists rebelled against the British government in Ireland. The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. Superette might not strike you as the most obvious oxymoron. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." Supermarket was coined by adding the prefix super- (higher in quantity, quality, or degree) to the noun market for a large store that carried a vast assortment of groceries and other household goods. Like chiaroscuro, pianoforte is an Italian term used in the arts, combining the adjectives for soft and loud. The music direction forte-piano means loud then immediately soft.. it is itself an example of an oxymoron. When we think of oxymorons, we often think of two-word phrases with seemingly opposite components, like "alone together" or "sweet sorrow." "delighted sorrow", "loyal treachery", "scalding coolness" (Hemingway).[18]. Learn all about effective imageryandwhat personification is with our expert guides. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? [9] It even proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. "proud humility" (Spenser),[13] As a literary device, it is used to make certain word combinations more thought-provoking to stand out. 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" is Greek for "sharply dull," so the word is itself an oxymoron. RELATED: Palindrome Examples: Words and Phrases That Are the Same Backwards and Forwards, RELATED: The Most Confusing Rules in the Grammar World, RELATED:The Best-Ever Hyperbole Examples, RELATED: Pangram Examples Every Word Lover Will Appreciate. The term chiaroscuro, used in Renaissance painting, refers to the transition from light to shadow across an object (such as a muscled arm) to create the perception of depth.
Where Is Oxymoron Derived From? - The Squidly your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. In a more extended sense, the term "oxymoron" has also been applied to inadvertent or incidental contradictions, as in the case of "dead metaphors" ("barely clothed" or "terribly good"). 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. When someone says a phrase such as "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. Banksy, Wall and Piece. Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. They also occasionally work well with. An oxymoron is usually just two words (sometimes one, as in bittersweet), but a paradox is an entire statement, usually a standalone sentence or even a full, What is the difference between oxymoron and paradox?, A Guide to Using Plain Language in Writing. 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. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814.
OXYMORON | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together.
Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. Accessed 4 Mar. Grammarly helps you communicate confidently. Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. Want to learn more about figures of speech, besides oxymorons and paradoxes? The audience was a failure. [20] Oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two normally contradictory terms think "deafening silence," "wise fool" or "cruel kindness.". Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms.
50 Examples of Oxymorons - ProWritingAid the word nascar is an oxymoron. the word nascar is an oxymoron. , oxymorons have a few different purposes in writing, all of which are quite useful in the right situation: Oxymorons tend to have deeper meanings and be more memorable than noncontradictory words, so they work great at key points in your writing for boosting reader engagement.
Oxymoron Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Similarly, "choice" implies more than one option, which is contradicted by "only," which implies the opposite. O loving hate!"). Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. The pairing, while apparently paradoxical . One of the most famous examples of a paradox is thesentence, "This statement is false." Listing of antonyms, such as "good and evil", "male and female", "great and small", etc., does not create oxymorons, as it is not implied that any given object has the two opposing properties simultaneously. It's really interesting to see how this figure of speech finds its way into everyday communication. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes.
Original copy: Oxymorons that aren't | Discussion Forum | A Way with Oxymorons are often confused with paradoxesafter all, both are textbook contradictions of terms.
the word nascar is an oxymoron Our vetted tutor database includes a range of experienced educators who can help you polish an essay for English or explain how derivatives work for Calculus. Or plastic silverware. The best way to make money is to spend money. An oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two antithetical or contradictory concepts. This stanza, from Lord Tennysons retelling of the tale of King Arthur, usesseveral oxymorons for poetic effect and as a way to emphasize the conundrum that Lancelot, Arthurs most loyal knight and friend, finds himself in. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, O brawling love! Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. Oxymorons present an ideal opportunity to be clever or funny. Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. This love feel I, that feel no love in this. On its own silence is fairly neutralit can be calm or tense, depending on the context. Huge List of Oxymorons. The phrasedaily night certainly features contrary wording. Meghan graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2017; her creative nonfiction piece Anticipation was published in the Spring 2017 issue of Angles literary magazine. [1][2] A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. However, as there are so many, you might not catch them all. What Is an Oxymoron?
Change is the only constant - antithesis or oxymoron? Here's an example of paradox from George Orwell's Animal Farm: These lines come from the hit 2013 song "All of Me" recorded by John Legend. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). This next oxymoron example is about Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot's tragic love affair. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. nt authority local system. An oxymoron is usually just two words (sometimes one, as in bittersweet), but a paradox is an entire statement, usually a standalone sentence or even a fullparagraph. 2023. This statement made by Holden reveals the level of complexity and impact an oxymoron can have as a literary device when it comes to interpretation. Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. . My play was a complete success. How every letter can be (annoyingly) silent, Helping you navigate the linguistic road ahead. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. The word 'big' is added to emphasise the fact that someone is acting more childishly than you would expect. In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone. Of course, a bone is generally considered dry and the opposite of juicy. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. The violent display ultimately led to thousands of deaths and injuries. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' Who Are The Most Romantic Literary Figures of All Time? We have no choice., Mark Twain: It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech., Samuel Goldwyn: A verbal contract isnt worth the paper its written on.. 'when they are silent, they cry out'), What ACT target score should you be aiming for? Nordquist, Richard. Generally, the ideas will come astwo separate words placed side by side.
What is an Oxymoron? || Definition & Examples | | College of Liberal However, others can be intentional: For instance, in the phrase deafening silence, the seeming contradiction only serves to emphasize the intensity of the silence. Oxymorons can be clearly confusing (see what we did there? 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. An oxymoron is an opposition between a term and the qualification that is given it, or between two qualities attributed to a single term, or between the simultaneous denial and assertion of the same fact or concept. How to use each word.
What Is an Oxymoron? - AuthorMAG Oxymoron is also a literary device, but is considered a condensed paradox. Salinger uses an oxymoron in this quote by Holden Caulfield, the narrator of the novel.