Oxymoron - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory or opposing words to create a striking effect, such as deafening silence or bittersweet. It highlights contrasts in meaning.
Definition:
A figure of speech combining contradictory terms for effect, such as "deafening silence."
Synonyms:
contradiction, paradox, incongruity
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
consistency, harmony
Common Collocations:
bitter sweet, living death, virtual reality, original copy
Derivatives:
oxymoronic, oxymoronically
Usage Tips:
Use oxymoron to highlight contrasts or create dramatic effect in writing or speech.
Common Phrases:
bittersweet symphony, alone together, clearly confused
Etymology:
From Greek "oxys" (sharp) and "moros" (dull), meaning pointedly foolish or cleverly contradictory.
Examples:
- 1. The phrase "jumbo shrimp" is a classic oxymoron.
- 2. Her description of the vacation as "awfully good" was an oxymoron.
- 3. The term "silent scream" is a powerful oxymoron in poetry.
- 4. He called the meeting a "organized chaos," which felt like an oxymoron.