What is oxymoron and give examples?

An oxymoron is a self-contradicting word or group of words (as in Shakespeare’s line from Romeo and Juliet, “Why, then, O brawling love! O loving hate!”). A paradox is a statement or argument that seems to be contradictory or to go against common sense, but that is yet perhaps still true—for example, “less is more.”

What is oxymoron in literature examples?

The word is derived from two Greek words, namely “oxus” (sharp) and “moros” (dull). Some common oxymoron examples include “pretty ugly,” “only choice,” and “same difference.”

What is oxymoron poetic device?

An oxymoron (usual plural oxymorons, more rarely oxymora) is a figure of speech that juxtaposes concepts with opposing meanings within a word or phrase that creates an ostensible self-contradiction. An oxymoron can be used as a rhetorical device to illustrate a rhetorical point or to reveal a paradox.

Is awfully good an oxymoron?

My dictionary defines today’s oxymoron as a “combination of contradictory or incongruous words.” If you stop to think about it, two of our more common oxymorons are “terribly nice” and “awfully good.” Never use “awfully good” when praising someone’s cooking, and never use “terribly nice” to describe a kiss.

Is almost certain an oxymoron?

No. “Certain and possible” could be interpreted as an oxymoron.

Can a person be an oxymoron?

The similarity of “oxymoron” to “moron” which is clearly a person, is clever. Yes. If someone is really, really into Oxi-Clean, and keeps recommending it in situations where it doesn’t make sense, you might call that person an Oxi-Moron.

What’s the difference between oxymoron and paradox?

An oxymoron is the conjunction of two words with meanings that contradict each other. While a paradox is the opposition of ideas or themes, an oxymoron is a contradiction merely between words.

Is Big Baby an oxymoron?

Big baby This is an oxymoron because all babies are small. The word ‘big’ is added to emphasise the fact that someone is acting more childishly than you would expect.

What is the definition of the literary term oxymoron?

Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. The phrase original copy is a good illustration of an oxymoron.

What is the definition and example of an oxymoron?

Definition and Examples of Literary Terms. Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as “cruel kindness,” or “living death”.

What is the definition of oxymoron in poetry?

An oxymoron in poetry or any other type of work is a phrase that consists of two or more contradictory words used together. Common examples include terms like “jumbo shrimp” or “bitter sweet” and are not merely used together to create contrast, but to also create a new meaning together.

What are the Common examples of oxymoron?

My sister and I had a friendly fight over the lipstick.

  • I think the professor stated his unbiased opinion regarding the student response.
  • You look awfully pretty in that coat.
  • Sarah ate the whole piece of pie.
  • The carpenters left the bench completely unfinished.
  • The new kittens enjoyed being Alone together.
  • True fiction is my favorite genre to read.