ANTIPHRASTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Antiphrastic is an adjective that refers to a particular linguistic device or figure of speech commonly used in literature, rhetoric, and humor, where words are used in a manner that contradicts their usual or literal meaning. It involves the deliberate and ironic use of words to convey an opposite or contrary meaning.
In antiphrasis, words are employed to express sentiments that are opposite or contrary to their literal definitions, thus creating a sharp contrast between the intended meaning and the literal understanding. This technique can be used for dramatic effect, satire, or to convey sarcasm. Antiphrasis can also be employed as a form of verbal irony, where the intention is to communicate a hidden meaning that is contradictory to the word's denotation.
For example, if someone sarcastically says "Nice work!" to someone who has made a mistake, they are using antiphrasis. The words "nice" and "work" usually connote positive sentiments, but in this context, the speaker intends to convey the opposite meaning, considering the mistake made.
Antiphrastic language is often used in literary works, poetry, and comedy to evoke humor, irony, or to reveal paradoxical situations. By utilizing antiphrasis, writers and speakers can create unexpected twists, challenge conventional meanings, and provoke thought-provoking responses in their audience.
Common Misspellings for ANTIPHRASTIC
- zntiphrastic
- sntiphrastic
- wntiphrastic
- qntiphrastic
- abtiphrastic
- amtiphrastic
- ajtiphrastic
- ahtiphrastic
- anriphrastic
- anfiphrastic
- angiphrastic
- anyiphrastic
- an6iphrastic
- an5iphrastic
- antuphrastic
- antjphrastic
- antkphrastic
- antophrastic
- ant9phrastic
Etymology of ANTIPHRASTIC
The word antiphrastic is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: anti meaning against or opposite, and phrasis meaning speech or expression.
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