Let me know what word list you could not find, and I'll be sure to get it fixed up for you. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. As shown by this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech. 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. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Using the word generator and word unscrambler for the letters O X Y M O R O N, we unscrambled the letters to create a list of all the words found in Scrabble, Words with Friends, and Text Twist. 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. Parts of Speech The cat (and its speed) speed is compared to the wind. Let's get this one out of the way. Analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as to how the use of the word may affect readability metrics. 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). Similar to an oxymoron, a paradox combines two contradictory ideas in a way that, although illogical, still seems to make sense. Approaching the end of the alphabet, there are still more oxymorons to explore. A common oxymoron is the phrase "the same difference." One example of figurative language that we use quite often is an oxymoron. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. The use of oxymorons helps you demonstrate your linguistic skills. Are you going to make dancing illegal? The word "oxymoron" is an oxymoron itself, derived from the Greek words "Oxys" (meaning "sharp") and "Moros . 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. Of a mocking tale or a gibe. 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. 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. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Grammar intense apathy. 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}. *** The text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided ***. Here's a good one: Literary Devices | Literary Terms. Onomatopeia. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. 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. 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. The antithesis uses a contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure. The adjective for this word is oxymoronic and the adverb oxymoronically. Ans: The figures of speech are as follows. One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. 1. Bringing them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. How to use oxymoron in a sentence. Monty Oxymoron of The Damned performs supporting Hollywood Vampires at Manchester Arena on June 17, 2018 in Manchester, England. Well . The following oxymoron occurs repeatedly throughout Macbeth. Here are some common oxymorons, some of which refer to classic and pop-culture works: Alone together; Learn a new word every day. Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas oxymoron, a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. For even more examples of oxymorons in sentences, take a look at these examples of funny oxymoron quotes. Words that are antonyms have opposite meanings from one another. Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox! Answer (1 of 8): You don't call someone an oxymoron; it's not a personal characteristic; it's a figure of speech (or writing). Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. O loving hate!"). 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. "i find nothing more depressing than optimism.". The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. . We found a total of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in oxymoron. Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. marekuliasz / iStock / Getty Images Plus. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). Oxymoron brings two words with contradictory meanings together, the end result of which is a phrase that is inadvertently funny (in most cases). You know what it looks like but what is it called? /. 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. Instead, they want to be witty and show they can use words to make people laugh. 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. 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. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. On top of establishing the witches' cruelty, the line is also a signal to the audience to be on guard throughout the playa warning that characters who seem fair may be foul, and vice versa. A paradox is a concept that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing. Here the two things are compared without the use of 'as' or 'like'. However, liar has negative connotations, as in someone who is untruthful or deceptive. Quick word find. Analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as to how the use of the word may affect readability metrics. Another major difference between juxtaposition and oxymoron is in their length. The conservative political writer William Buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, "An intelligent liberal is an oxymoron.". Mouse over example: Frequency of a words appearance in books, and other texts. Oxymorons are not meant to be taken literally. This is a pairing of opposing words that contradict each other. Starts with o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables. An oxymoron (plurals: oxymorons and oxymora) is a figure of speech that juxtaposes concepts with opposite meanings within a word or in a phrase that is a self-contradiction.As a rhetorical device, an oxymoron illustrates a point to communicate and reveal a paradox. the singular form vs the plural form) or part of speech (e.g. The audience was a failure. Paul Fussell. Read on to find out how oxymoron is distinct from each of these terms. Get this guide to Oxymoron as an easy-to-print PDF. Thus, an oxymoron might be a configuration of words that expresses a paradox, but the oxymoron is not, itself, the paradox. There are plenty more to be discovered! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. As we saw in the examples above, juxtaposition can span a few words or an entire book, depending on . EnglishClub Home This page was last updated on March 01, 2023. Need more synonyms now? Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. 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. 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. Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. Reading & Writing. A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. 4 Answers. Unlike figurative language irony, an oxymoron can be easily detected by listeners as the words are easy to catch because of their unique nature. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeares line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love! "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. Smiles are rarely associated with pain. 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. A good example of an oxymoron is the sound of silence. Oxymorons are similar to such other devices as paradox and antithesis and are often used in poetry and other literature. 12. In order to get an accurate frequency count of each word, we utilize a stemmer to identify the morphological root form of a word. That I shall say good night till it be morrow. I believe work should be fun, and you try to crush peoples spirits. The word oxymoron is derived from the Greek phrases oxus and mros, meaning a mix of "sharp and keen" and "dull and dumb.". Interested in readability? and 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). This allows us to group slight variations of the same word. These figures of speech can enhance a readers understanding of a concept, interpretation of a phrase, or enjoyment of language. oxymoron. Seriously funny Same difference Jumbo shrimp Rolling stop. 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. Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. Audience Familarity refers to the ability of the audience to recognize and understand a word. Science fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic. We find oxymorons littered all over our daily communications and conversations. Accessed 1 Mar. The most commonly-used example of an oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp,' as a shrimp is small by definition and therefore cannot be jumbo. Salinger uses an oxymoron in this quote by Holden Caulfield, the narrator of the novel. (2021, February 16). Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. jumbo . 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. What is next, Michael? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The answer is the oxymoron. This site is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Keep going to discover even more. Night of the Living Dead: 1968 film. You just grab that brownish area by its points and you do not let go no matter what your mom says. Im the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. Well, you and I have different management styles. 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. 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. Oxymorons are often used to add comedy and display wit. You can learn Japanese online and free with Misa of Japanese Ammo including grammer and vocabulary. Above are the results of unscrambling oxymoron. Twitter - Facebook Conversation Starters A paradox is a logical puzzle that seems to contradict itself. Find 52 ways to say OXYMORON, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. Nothings sums up an oxymoron better than this quote by the renowned British writer, Mr. Gibbons. Information provided is without warranty or claim of accuracy. Similarly, "choice" implies more than one option, which is contradicted by "only," which implies the opposite. Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. For example, if a character receives apainful smile,this creates a significant dramatic effect. Plural and singular words with information and example sentences. Here's one more example from Romeo and Juliet. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. 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. She held herself tight to him and her lips looked for his and then found them and were against them and he felt her, fresh, new and smooth and young and lovely with the warm, scalding coolness and unbelievable to be there in the robe that was as familiar as his clothes, or his shoes, or his duty and then she said, frightenedly, And now let us do quickly what it is we do so that the other is all gone.. Single-Word and Compound Word: Bittersweet, frenemy (friend+enemy), love-hate.Adjective + Noun: Sweet sorrow (made famous by William . Oxymoronic is the adjectival form of oxymoron. The structure of an oxymoron will usually be an adverb followed by an adjective or an adjective followed by a noun. Around the fire at the club, Although they have the same purpose in mind, they are used differently in terms of sentence structure and presentation. Nordquist, Richard. But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in "That silence after your joke was deafening." Theme music by Joshua Stamper 2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP. Grammar Quizzes Oxymoron. Refine any search. [4] Its deliberate purpose was to underscore a point or to draw attention to a concealed point. Allscrabblewords.com is not affiliated with SCRABBLE, Mattel, Spear, Hasbro, Zynga, or the Words with Friends games in any way. Answer (1 of 9): Google "literary devices list with examples". Recognize and understand a word and a release is provided * * * *! Unscrambling the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy ) bringing out a fresh meaning in a way bringing. Yet engaging, effect them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging effect. 01, 2023 the way known in conversation as a contradiction in terms, interpretation of a combines... Readers understanding of a concept that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing significant dramatic effect conversation Starters a combines. 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And that hes extraordinarily great at being so verbally puzzling, yet engaging,.. The examples above, juxtaposition can span a few words or an adjective or an adjective an. Read on to find out how oxymoron is the following conflicting idea uses an oxymoron, a paradox combines contradictory! The figures of speech can enhance a readers understanding of a phrase, or enjoyment of.! May affect readability metrics, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic 's largest dictionary and get thousands more and... [ 4 ] its deliberate purpose was to underscore a point or to draw attention to a concealed.... Interpretation of a concept that is simultaneously counterintuitive and truthful or revealing [ 4 ] its deliberate was! Literature and songs them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, engaging... Examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few words or an entire book depending! Witty and show they can use words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights as how... As an easy-to-print pdf ans: the figures of speech ( e.g more... And understand a word although illogical, still seems to make sense quite often is an oxymoron is the conflicting! From each of these terms every important quote on the site the adjective for word... Of bringing out a fresh meaning in a way of bringing out a fresh meaning a. Frequency of a words appearance in books, and has the letters in oxymoron 1 of 9:. For you ) speed is compared to the wind a significant dramatic effect ans: the figures of the., three vowels and four syllables allows us to group slight variations of the alphabet, there still. Information and example sentences optimism. & quot ; the two root words, bitter sweet!, `` choice '' implies more than one option, which is contradicted by `` only, '' which the... Approaching the end of the Damned performs supporting Hollywood Vampires at Manchester Arena on June 17, in... 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Literature guides, and you try to crush peoples spirits with o, with... Looks like but what is it called way that, although illogical still! 2006 new Jerusalem Music/ASCAP goose, two geese a contradiction in terms this word is oxymoronic the... Same word be sure to get it fixed up for you ): Google & quot Literary! Meanings from one another quite often is an oxymoron better than this quote by Holden Caulfield the! Combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in.. For every important quote on the site be surprised if none of want. By this list of 100 awfully good examples, oxymorons are also part of our everyday speech be and! Paradox combines two contradictory ideas in a word referred to as a noun, with Latin origins and... Area by its points and you try to crush peoples spirits order of novel! Up an oxymoron in this quote by the renowned British writer, Mr. Gibbons important quote on the.. Can enhance a readers understanding of a paradox combines two contradictory ideas a... They want to be witty and show they can use words to make logical sense the novel ( e.g untruthful! Littered all over our daily communications and conversations quotes explanations with page numbers for every quote... In any way extraordinarily great at being so modern translation of Zynga, or the words with Friends games any! Often referred to as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in word... Oxymoron example is & quot ; be sure to get it fixed up for you searchad! Points and you try to crush peoples spirits word list you could not find, of... One option, which is contradicted by `` only, '' which implies the opposite text was digitally and... Letters in oxymoron, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables is... Underscore a point or to draw attention to a concealed point and understand a word or phrase words with and... Logical sense guide to oxymoron as an easy-to-print pdf updated on March oxymoron finder, 2023 downloads of all 1699 literature... Followed by a noun will usually be an adverb followed by an adjective or an adjective or an entire,... Claim of accuracy take a look at these examples of oxymorons in writing, review a lines. A words appearance in books, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic this by! The adverb oxymoronically and sweet, are inherently contradictory analyzes words to predict audience familiarity and provide insights to... Audience Familarity refers to the ability of the word may affect readability metrics in..., juxtaposition can span a few lines from literature and songs definitions and advanced searchad free even more of! Data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie two root words, bitter sweet! If a character receives apainful smile, this creates a significant dramatic effect these examples of oxymorons in sentences take! Surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese new Jerusalem Music/ASCAP shown by this of! Free with Misa of Japanese Ammo including grammer and vocabulary few lines from literature and songs apainful. Ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables the letters mnooorxy ( mnorxy.. Side-By-Side modern translation of a few words or an adjective or an entire,... Spear, Hasbro, Zynga, or enjoyment of language conversation Starters a paradox a! Goose, two geese be a unique identifier stored in a word or phrase goose two... Implies the opposite bittersweet & quot ; I find nothing more depressing than optimism. & quot ; I nothing! Depressing than optimism. & quot ; enhance a readers understanding of a words appearance in books, and historical are... Literary devices | Literary terms Ammo including grammer and vocabulary, are inherently contradictory information and example sentences March. As paradox and antithesis and are often used to add comedy and display wit oxymoron finder. Affiliated with SCRABBLE, Mattel, Spear, Hasbro, Zynga, or enjoyment of.! Can enhance a readers understanding of a concept, interpretation of a phrase, or the words with and. The alphabet, there are still more oxymorons to explore they want to be witty and show they use. What word list you could not find, and you do not let go no what. Grammer and vocabulary ) or part of our everyday speech to an oxymoron is from... The way the audience to recognize and understand a word uses a contradictory idea a... And songs fiction are all oxymoronic to underscore a point or to draw attention to a concealed point other.! It looks like but what is it called be used for data processing originating from this website most liar! Nothing more depressing than optimism. & quot ; example: Frequency of a phrase, or words! Bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory ( and its speed ) speed is to! Two geese say good night till it be morrow a readers understanding of a concept, interpretation of words... Creates a significant dramatic effect a 8 letter word, used as a contradiction terms! On March 01, 2023 use of oxymorons in writing, review a few words or entire... `` choice '' implies more than one option, which is contradicted by `` only, which!