How Do You Spell OXYMORA?

Pronunciation: [ˌɒksɪmˈɔːɹə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "oxymora" may seem confusing at first glance. However, its pronunciation is phonetically straightforward: /ɒksɪˈmɔːrə/. The word is plural of "oxymoron," which is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms, like "jumbo shrimp" or "living dead." While the spelling may seem unusual and contradictory, it follows common English patterns (-y changes to -i before -es for plurals) and is an example of a compound noun made up of two Greek terms: "oxys" meaning "sharp" and "moros" meaning "dull."

OXYMORA Meaning and Definition

1. Oxymora are a figure of speech that combines contradictory or incongruous terms or ideas to create a new and unexpected meaning. The term "oxymoron" comes from the Greek words "oxys" meaning "sharp" or "acute," and "moros" meaning "dull" or "foolish." Thus, oxymora are linguistic devices that juxtapose words or phrases that seem contradictory but convey a deeper truth or paradoxical idea.

   An oxymoron typically consists of a two-word phrase where the words contrast each other, often highlighting a conflict or irony. Examples of such oxymora include "jumbo shrimp," "deafening silence," "dark light," and "bittersweet." These contradictory pairings create a memorable impact, as they challenge conventional wisdom or expectations, inviting an audience to reconsider their assumptions or perceptions.

   Oxymora can serve various purposes in literature, rhetoric, and everyday language. They can enhance descriptions, add complexity to characters, create humor or irony, or even evoke emotions. By fusing contradictory terms, oxymora enable authors and speakers to express complex ideas concisely, using wit and creativity to provide a fresh perspective on a subject.

   In conclusion, oxymora are figures of speech that employ contrasting or conflicting terms to convey a deeper meaning or paradox. By juxtaposing contradictory ideas, they challenge conventional thinking and invite audiences to reconsider their assumptions, providing a rich linguistic tool for expressing complex ideas with wit and intrigue.

Common Misspellings for OXYMORA

• oxymoran
• oxymorn
• oxymore
• oxyfor
• oxypore
• oxyburya
• oxgymorya
• oxymurra

Etymology of OXYMORA

The word oxymoron is derived from the Greek terms oxus meaning sharp or keen and moros meaning dull or foolish. Oxy means sharp and moron means dull in Greek. Together, they form the term oxymoron, which literally translates to sharp-dull or keen-foolish.

Similar spelling word for OXYMORA

• oxymoron.