What Is An Oxymoron, Exactly?
An oxymoron is a kind of figure of speech that joins two opposite words with different meanings; for example, old news, seriously funny, and clearly confused are all oxymoron examples. At first glance, oxymorons may appear absurd, but when seen in context, they make perfect sense.
The essay on what is an oxymoron will explain everything you need to know about oxymorons. We’ll show you some oxymoron examples and explain how to apply them, but first, let’s look at a more detailed definition.
Understanding oxymorons
A literary device that juxtaposes opposing terms is called an oxymoron. Oxymorons are frequently employed in poetry to give the word or phrase a new meaning. An oxymoron, like a paradox, is a “contradiction in terminology,” although the two are not the same, as detailed below.
The term “oxymoron” comes from Greek, and it is translated as “cleverly stupid” or “sharply dull.” Therefore, it can be said that the definition of an oxymoron is in itself an oxymoron.
Oxymorons have been used for millennia. What is an oxymoron? Can you cite some examples? Several oxymorons, such as the following, have become commonplace words in modern English:
- Accurate estimate
- Alone together
- Clearly misunderstood
- Bittersweet
- Civil war
- Close distance
- Original copy
- Even odds
- Only option
- Joyful sadness
- Passive-aggressive
- Larger half
- Living dead
- Loud whisper
- Negative growth
What is the objective of an oxymoron?
Like other literary techniques such as metaphor, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole, Oxymorons serve a variety of writing purposes, all of which can be highly beneficial in the correct situation. What is an oxymoron and what do they do have been listed below:
Dramatic result
An oxymoron is a phrase that is both a paradox and a prompt for critical thinking. Oxymorons force the reader to pause and consider the meaning—in other words, they force the reader to ponder.
Oxymorons are great for improving reader engagement at key points in your writing since they have a deeper meaning and are easier to recall than noncontradictory terms. They can also be combined with metaphorical language to boost the effectiveness of certain words.
Entertainment
Oxymorons are a great method to be clever or funny. The natural layout of competing words is perfect for jokes and other amusing comments. Take a look at these oxymorons:
“I am a rather superficial individual.—Andy Warhol
“I clearly recall forgetting that.” —Clara Barton
What is an oxymoron, and can it help present words in newer form?
Like opposing colours, putting contrasting words together makes each one stand out. As a result, their meaning is intensified, and the words are more forceful by emphasising their differences. As a result, oxymorons are a popular choice.
As one example, consider the oxymoron deafening silence. Silence is normally neutral; it can be relaxing or stressful depending on the situation. However, when mixed with deafening, silence takes on a whole new meaning, drawing similarities to a loud noise that draws more attention. In this composition, the word silence is conveyed in a new and compelling way.
Literature examples of oxymorons
Oxymorons have been used as rhetorical devices in various mediums, including political speeches, books, and stage plays. (For example, “combining elements that contrast” is a reoccurring theme in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.). A few examples to understand what is an oxymoron from well-known historical dialogues have been listed below:
“All of his previous sufferings paled compared to this exquisite misery.”
The Wild Call, by Jack London
” The illiterate bookish blockhead,
With his mind full of learned lumber…”
“An Essay on Criticism,” by Alexander Pope
“To quote, of gloomy merriment.”
—Don Juan: Canto VIII, Lord Byron
“His dishonour-based honour stood,
And untrustworthy faith kept him falsely true.”
—Idylls of the King, Alfred, Lord Tennyson
“It’s such a wonderful sorrow to part.”
—Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
“O, savage love!” “I adore hate!”
—Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
“A noble villain, a miserable saint!”
—Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
What is the difference between a “paradox” and an “oxymoron”? “?
Because they are both classic definitional contradictions, oxymorons and paradoxes are frequently misconstrued. However, despite their similarities, oxymorons and paradoxes are two separate literary devices, each with its own set of applications.
Let’s talk about paradoxes now that we’ve defined an oxymoron. A paradox is a technically contradictory statement that yet holds. It may appear irrational or unrealistic, but it is based on reality and stems from logical reasoning. For example, take a look at the following paradoxes:
“To make money, you have to spend money.”
“The race is won by the slow and steady.”
“I can resist anything but temptation,” she says.
The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that oxymorons use opposing words, whereas paradoxes use opposing ideas. In contrast to an oxymoron, usually two words, a paradox is a whole statement, usually a single sentence or even a paragraph (sometimes one, as in “bittersweet”).
On the other hand, Paradoxes deal with the contradiction between full ideas, and oxymorons deal with the contrast between word meanings. A paradox’s scope might be substantially broader, involving complex themes and philosophical concepts. On the other hand, Oxymorons are confined to the extent of the individual words utilised. We hope that this article on what is an oxymoron has helped you to understand the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is an oxymoron?
Ans. A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms in a single word or phrase is known as an oxymoron. It’s a literary device for making some word combinations more thought-provoking and distinguishable.
Q2. What oxymorons can you think of?
Ans. In ordinary language, oxymorons are commonly employed. “Awfully good,” “bittersweet,” “same difference,” and “original copy” are examples of oxymorons. The present article on what is an oxymoron has listed many other examples which can be checked in the previous parts.
Q3. What is the difference between a “paradox” and an “oxymoron”?
Ans. Paradoxes combine opposing ideas, while oxymorons combine opposing terms. In addition, paradoxes are full sentences, often even paragraphs, whereas oxymorons are usually just two words.
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