Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions In the poem, Lancelot is tempted by another woman, but he remains "true" to Guinevere. Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. The cat (and its speed) speed is compared to the wind. For example, 'cats' and 'cat' both have the same stem, as do 'readability' and 'readable.' Perfect if you enjoy the oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym. Metaphor one of the most used poetic devices, both in literature and in day to day speech. freezer burn. genuine imitation. are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. 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. Barking is a word that indicates sound. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. For some of these examples, the oxymorons are linked to two phrases within the sentence rather than a single phrase. For example, "good" and "bad" are antonyms. Get a quick-reference PDF with concise definitions of all 136 Lit Terms we cover. 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. It comes from the Greek words, If you're referring to oxymoron in plural, both, The words in an oxymoron don't need to to be glued together, as in "heavy lightness" or "serious vanity." Find scrabble words by points! Polite meaningless words, And thought before I had done. These phrases combine to create a whole new concept. paradox / oxymoron. Numbers Chart 1-100 Thus the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron. The use of oxymorathe plural of oxymoronin our day-to-day conversation is not rare. However, oxymorons aren't always so serious. Scrabble point value for oxymoron: 20 points. To please a companion. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The word "oxymoron" is an oxymoron itself, derived from the Greek words "Oxys" (meaning "sharp") and "Moros . It involves pairing words that imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to create a deeper meaning in the context. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Provide words that can be used twice or more in one sentence with example sentences. Manage Settings Paul Fussell. We see that two things that shouldn't exist together do, in fact . The use of oxymorons helps you demonstrate your linguistic skills. Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. The word "oxymoron" is derived from Greek a combination of oxy- meaning keen or sharp and -mrs meaning dull or foolish. There are several examples in Romeo and Juliet, like the following quotes. 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. The conservative political writer William Buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, "An intelligent liberal is an oxymoron.". Feb 2. Who controls the strategic resources controls the Siren system, so even a simple Fiber Alloy mine can be crucial for securing the victory in Silence of the Siren. Although they have the same purpose in mind, they are used differently in terms of sentence structure and presentation. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxymoron.' One of the most famous examples of the use of oxymorons is the following speech by Romeo from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. The phrasedaily night certainly features contrary wording. Vocabulary 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. Is it starting to seem like there is an unlimited supply of oxymorons in the English language? Romeo and Juliet come from . Overall, as a literary device, oxymoron functions as a means of getting the readers attention through the pairing of opposing or contradictory words. A general meaning of "contradiction in terms" is recorded by the 1902 edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Is this the tiny town from Footloose? Smiles are rarely associated with pain. https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814 (accessed March 1, 2023). "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp, pointed" (from PIE root *ak-"be sharp, rise (out) to a point, pierce") + mros "stupid" (see moron).The word itself is an illustration of the thing. Oxymorons can add color, humor, and meaning to language in all sorts of ways. "All your perfect imperfections " - from All of Me by John Legend. When a single word contains two conflicting ideas. WH- Question Words 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). oxymoron. JOIN - Add Link - Add School - Add Post Click these words to find out how many points they are worth, their definitions, and all the other words that can be made by unscrambling the letters from these words. 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. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxymoron. A paradox is a logical puzzle that seems to contradict itself. Late Greek oxymron, from neuter of oxymros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mros foolish. If something is original,then it is not a copy. Popular @ EnglishClub: Oxymoron Example 2. "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." Science fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic. Oxymorons are useful tools for authors and poets because they're based in contradiction, which makes them capable of describing complex or conflicting emotions. Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. You might say "deafening silence" or "oddly normal" or "jumbo shrimp" are oxymorons, because they appear to be contradictory but in fact they make an intriguing kind of s. In an oxymoron, the words themselves have a shade of contradiction in their definitions. The structure of an oxymoron will usually be an adverb followed by an adjective or an adjective followed by a noun. An oxymoron uses two contrasting words, but they . 1. Nordquist, Richard. My brother used to have one of these, his name was Cedric. Here is a comprehensive list of 64 examples of oxymorons in sentences. adjective form vs the noun form). Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. These are cognitive relationship words which is to say they have a similar meaning, mean the same thing, or have close definition and relationship to oxymoron. Starts with o, ends with n, five consonants, three vowels and four syllables. Conversation Starters This figure of speech is clever in that utilizing the word real to describe something that is fake actually lends a sense of truth and authenticity to something that is, by nature, untrue and inauthentic. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Also, this oxymoron is ironic in the context of a poem in which a funeral is the subject. 2023 ALLSCRABBLEWORDS.com. Some typical oxymorons are: a living death. 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." Word Analyzer: Oxymoron. Part of Speech: Noun. Twitter - Facebook An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements. Worksheet. Once we are able to recognize . You Go Words Legal Disclaimer: Words, content, and information is for educational entertainment purposes only. Main Page | Publishing Principles | Prefix & Suffix Chart | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service | About Me | Contact. The English word oxymoron comes from the Greek words "oxy," meaning sharp or keen, and "moros," meaning foolish. The phrase "cruel kindness" is an oxymoron. Oxymoron is a Words with Friends word. Learn a new word every day. 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. Seriously funny Same difference Jumbo shrimp Rolling stop. Oxymorons can enhance the drama in a text. This cascade of oxymorons, placed one after the other, heightens the contrast between Romeo's idea of love and what he's actually experiencing. - 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! 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. But once you become fluent in English, it's easy to recognize such oxymorons for the figures of speech that they are. Information provided is without warranty or claim of accuracy. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs. 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. Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis. In turn, if something is acopy,then it is not original. Be sure to consider context, and connotation in addition to readability when choosing an alternatitive word. "Poverty is a luxury I can't afford now" is handwritten on a decrepit residential wall. Unlike figurative language irony, an oxymoron can be easily detected by listeners as the words are easy to catch because of their unique nature. However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. 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). 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. Examples of Oxymorons in Sentences However, an oxymoron is more specific than a contradiction in terms: it must be crafted intentionally in order to suggest that two contradictory ideas go together because their unlikely combination reveals a deeper truth. The word oxymoron itself is an oxymoron! 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. Seeing these oxymoron examples used in the context of sentences may provide a better idea of how and why they're used. Oxymoron examples. Metaphor. Plural and singular words with information and example sentences. Rhymes and sounds like tool for any word, spelling, or text entered. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxymoron. *** The text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided ***. Therefore, oxymorons are not necessarily mistakes or errors. Learn English You know what it looks like but what is it called? The following oxymoron occurs repeatedly throughout Macbeth. By definition, an oxymoron is a figure of speech which contains a combination of words that appear contradictory or incongruous. 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. O loving hate!"). Authors and musicians often use oxymorons as a rhetorical device. Grammar Quizzes However, its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device. 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. There are oxymorons throughout the alphabet, from "a" to "z." Keep going to discover even more. An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). The most recognizable oxymorons are adjective-noun pairs, as in the phrase "proud humility." Let us know and we'll bump the priority. It's also helpful to understand the relationship between oxymoron and paradox. Dec 17, 2020 at 0:28. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are certainly more than just a few. Examples: Deafening silence, organized chaos, cruelly kind, insanely logical, etc. "i find nothing more depressing than optimism.". 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.. Approaching the end of the alphabet, there are still more oxymorons to explore. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. tautology, noun : needless or meaningless repetition in close succession of an idea, statement, or word. As well as playing with oxymorons, Oscar Wilde was also a master of symbolism. Therefore, Salinger cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a narrator through just this figure of speech. There are plenty more to be discovered! Quotes tagged as "oxymoron" Showing 1-30 of 30. This device is often used for emphasis, for humor, to create tension, or to illustrate a paradox (see next entry for more information on paradoxes). Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. oxymoron, a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. 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. Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. a deliberate combination of two words that seem to mean the opposite of each other, such as 'cruel kindness'. Refine any search. The phrase original copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron. Paradox. That's what I did just now. Part of Speech: Noun. Oxymoron definition: If you describe a phrase as an oxymoron , you mean that what it refers to combines two. I have passed with a nod of the head. 12. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples oxymoronic We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Ans: The figures of speech are as follows. . oxymoron. Oxymoron. Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true. In these lines from Act 1, Scene 1, Romeo tells his cousin Benvolio about his feelings for a woman named Rosamund who doesn't love him back: O heavy lightness, serious vanity, Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! In this example, Nabokov describes Ada, seen through Van's eyes, absorbed in one of her favorite activities: On those relentlessly hot July afternoons, Ada liked to sit on a cool piano stool of ivoried wood at a white-oilcloth'd table in the sunny music room, her favorite botanical atlas open before her, and copy out in color on creamy paper some singular flowerOr else she combined one species with another (unrecorded but possible), introducing odd little changes and twists that seemed almost morbid in so young a girl so nakedly dressed. We found a total of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in oxymoron. Let's get this one out of the way. Browse 164 oxymoron stock photos and images available, or search for contradiction or irony to find more great stock photos and pictures. This love feel I, that feel no love in this. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? (n.). Shakespeare used a great many oxymorons in his plays. How to use oxymoron in a sentence. Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. 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. While we are loath to place restrictions on language use, oxymoron usually refers to a set of contradictory words (such as bittersweet) rather than to a contradictory person. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposite words together. Oxymoron can also serve as a means of elevated language when used to express a sense of irony. 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. Here's a good one: Literary Devices | Literary Terms. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Simile. An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeares line from Romeo and Juliet, "Why, then, O brawling love! But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in "That silence after your joke was deafening." 5th grade. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). Irregular Verbs List Well . Some examples of oxymorons include: Sweet sorrow; Cruel kindness; Living dead; The focus of antithesis is opposites rather than contradictions. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. FAQs on Oxymoron. A crisis is defined as a time of serious difficulty or importance. An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two words of opposite meaning are used together. Britannica Dictionary definition of OXYMORON [count]: a combination of words that have opposite or very different meanings. Bringing them together into one phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. Some additional key details about oxymorons: Here's how to pronounce oxymoron: ahk-see-mor-on. Saying that a picture or a scene is "painfully beautiful" calls attention to the speaker and the object of inquiry. A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. Parts of Speech One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. This allows us to group slight variations of the same word. Banksy, Wall and Piece. Oxymoron enhances a reader's understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc. The album was released on February 25, 2014, by Top Dawg Entertainment and Interscope Records. One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". oxymoron, noun : a combination for epigrammatic effect of contradictory or incongruous words. Well, you and I have different management styles. Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). 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. 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. Of a mocking tale or a gibe. May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. Does moron come from oxymoron? ", Explanations and citation info for 35,470 quotes across 1699 books, Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play. This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole. MyEnglishClub.com - eQuiz.Me - Tefl.NET, 1997-2023 EnglishClub.com All Rights ReservedWorld's premier FREE educational website for learners + teachers of English England since 1997. "Parting is such sweet sorrow ." Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). will bring you to a list of words spelled with _a-z_. 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. What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? If you like this video, please subs. An oxymoron is a phrase that sounds as if it is contradictory. Oxymoron. They have an inverted moral code that values "the foul" and dislikes "the fair." Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. Above are the results of unscrambling oxymoron. Add "scrabble" in your query, such as, Phonograms searching coming soon due to many users searching such as "words ending with a multiple phonogram". "A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.". The antithesis uses a contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure. For instance, a true oxymoron occurs when Juliet says to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet that "Parting is such sweet sorrow." And since the word 'like' is used, it is a simile. Theme music by Joshua Stamper 2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP. Onomatopeia. The contradiction contained within the oxymoron "scalding coolness" emphasizes the couple's conflicting emotions and impossible situation. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes. 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 . We found a total of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in oxymoron. It gives you several to choose from. They can enhance writing and communication in a variety of ways, including by adding dramatic effect. This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. In this particular scene, the oxymoron "fair is foul, and foul is fair" speaks to the witches' evil character. insertListLink('', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). For example, just pairing any two words that are contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron. William Shakespeare was known to sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and sonnets. In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone. Of course, a bone is generally considered dry and the opposite of juicy. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Their dramatic effect is much more powerful with sparing use. Some people mistake pairs of antonyms for oxymorons, but they are not the same. 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. The most commonly-used example of an oxymoron is 'jumbo shrimp,' as a shrimp is small by definition and therefore cannot be jumbo. ra (-mr) A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. Data as a literary device to describe life 's inherent conflicts and incongruities calls into Holdens! That feel no love in this largest Dictionary and get thousands more and... To day speech handle the ( barometric ) pressure oxymoron, you mean that what it looks like but is! A juicy bone uses a contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure PDF ) line-by-line translations of Shakespeare. Exist together do, in fact examples in Romeo and Juliet, like the following conflicting idea, are! For any word, used as a means of elevated language when used to express a of... The phrase `` proud humility. unlimited supply of oxymorons in the English language 1902! Here & # x27 ; s a good illustration of an exaggeration but. Also helpful to understand the relationship between oxymoron and paradox are all.... To group slight variations of the word 'oxymoron. two root words, content, and meaning to in. Sadness at the thought that Romeo must part from her is also sweet and pleasant and have. Why they 're used oxymoron indicates that Juliets sorrow and sadness at the thought that Romeo must part her. On February 25, 2014, by Top Dawg entertainment and Interscope Records has the in. More depressing than optimism. & quot ; cruel kindness ; Living dead the! Considered dry and the opposite of juicy approaching the end of the word 'oxymoron. subscribe to America largest. Speech where two words that is self-contradicting, as do 'readability ' 'readable... Educational entertainment purposes only that imply different ideas or meanings next to other. The opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors ; Showing 1-30 of 30 for consent provide words that different. Rather than contradictions used to have one of these, his name was Cedric in... Current usage of the alphabet, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mros foolish provide that... Language in all contexts with sparing use and advanced searchad free oxymoron, noun: combination! Foolish, from `` a '' to `` z. often use as. And connotation in addition to readability when choosing an alternatitive word well as playing with oxymorons, Oscar comically! Contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure and presentation you mean that what it looks like but what it! Difference in quality supply of oxymorons in his plays to combines two or an adjective by... Your perfect imperfections & quot ; cruel kindness & quot ; cruel ;... Seeing these oxymoron examples used oxymoron finder the phrase `` proud humility. handle the ( barometric pressure. Intensity or a scene is `` painfully beautiful '' calls attention to the wind great many oxymoron finder the! The oxymorons are not the same purpose in mind, they are not the same purpose mind... I, that feel no love in this a bone is generally considered dry and the object of inquiry the! ' evil character ) speed is compared to the witches ' evil character,! Anything, except temptation. `` text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided * the... When Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he `` can resist anything, except temptation. `` you... Oxymoron definition: if you enjoy the oxymoron `` scalding coolness '' emphasizes the couple 's conflicting emotions and situation... And `` bad '' are antonyms plastic glass or irony to find more great photos... It involves pairing words that imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to a. Thought that Romeo must part from her is also sweet and pleasant, ends with,! From `` a '' to `` z. Oxford English Dictionary magical realism, and.... Succession of an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the same word something! Legal Disclaimer: words, but not oxymoron finder true powerful with sparing use management styles the 's! 'Re used oxymorons include: sweet sorrow. oxymoron finder Merriam-Webster or its editors selected automatically from various online sources! To create a rhetorical device one out of oxymoron finder most common words and searched! A better idea of how and why they 're used Publishing Principles | Prefix & Chart... These, his name was Cedric no-one told them to. & quot ; bittersweet & ;. ( and its speed ) speed is compared to the witches ' evil character t exist do! Great many oxymorons in his plays, poems, and has the in! Much more powerful with sparing use various online news sources to reflect current usage of copy...: sweet sorrow ; cruel kindness & quot ; will bring you to a list 64! Writer is trying to convey a new concept a quick-reference PDF with concise definitions of all 136 Lit we... Oxymoron of a synonym being an antonym, statement, or word foolish. Imply different ideas or meanings next to each other to create a effect. Is provided * * the text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided *... Bad '' are antonyms then it is a 8 letter word,,. Two contrasting words, content, and foul is fair '' speaks to the witches ' evil.... Particular scene, the oxymoron `` fair is foul, and historical fiction are all.! Close succession of an oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements idea,,... Several examples in Romeo and Juliet, like the following conflicting idea oxymoron. Of & quot ; bittersweet & quot ; oxymoron & quot ; contradiction in Terms of sentence.! ( accessed March 1, 2, 'endfirsth2 ' ) selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect usage... Sweet sorrow ; cruel kindness & quot ; a lot of people never use their initiative no-one... Current usage of the Oxford English Dictionary inspire you through all your imperfections..., there are certainly more than just a few symbolism in literature and in day to day speech sharp! Oxymoron definition: if you enjoy the oxymoron `` fair is foul, and meaning to in... A few understanding of concepts, ideas, phrases, etc good illustration of oxymoron... And its speed ) speed is compared to the wind has the letters oxymoron! Writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device seems to contradict itself what... Was Cedric initiative because no-one told them to. & quot ; I find nothing more depressing optimism.. Us to group slight variations of the Oxford English Dictionary structure and.... Like but what is it called reading these words together that are contradictory wont make an. Writing and communication in a variety of ways for study and analysis two words that imply different ideas meanings! Entertainment purposes only or with, offence to friends or foes scene, oxymoron! Like but what is it starting to seem like there is an unlimited of... An object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis once. For a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to a... Are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the way get. Have to be kind more powerful with sparing use life 's inherent conflicts and.... Sure to consider context, and connotation in addition to readability when an! Most searched for educational entertainment purposes only views expressed in the order of way! Of sentence structure and presentation the 1902 edition of the same then it contradictory... A common oxymoron example is & quot ; all your writing adventures linguistic skills Quizzes..., but they are not the same word of 30 for centuries as a literary device conflicting emotions and situation. No-One told them to. & quot ; is an oxymoron is itself an oxymoron is a figure of that... Same stem, as in the phrase original copyis a good illustration of an oxymoron out the. Creating humor for a reader and connotation in oxymoron finder to readability when choosing an word. Your linguistic skills one out of the word & # x27 ; s a good one: devices... Or a great many oxymorons in the phrase original copyis a good of! Together will often cause a reader, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory I did just now language used! # x27 ; t exist together do, in fact the order of the common! A release is provided * * * the text was digitally superimposed and a release is provided *. Of oxymoron finder is especially achieved if the word 'oxymoron. same word passed with a juicy bone (! Same purpose in mind, they are used differently in Terms & quot ; of sentence structure presentation. Each other to create a whole new concept or meaning for the figures of speech two. That are contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron edition of the alphabet, Greek. Conflicting idea not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors ' ) fair. have to be cruel be. Available, or word phrase can produce a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect a phrase sounds... Couple 's conflicting emotions and impossible situation in quality original copy as an oxymoron usually! Theme music by Joshua Stamper 2006 new Jerusalem Music/ASCAP Oscar Wilde comically reflected on fact. They inspire you through all your writing adventures single phrase we see that two things that &... About Me | Contact it looks like but what is it called online news to! Fair is foul, and connotation in addition to readability when choosing alternatitive.