OXYMORON Meaning and
Definition
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An oxymoron is a rhetorical figure of speech that combines two contradictory or contrasting terms to create a unique and sometimes paradoxical meaning. It is derived from the Greek words "oxy" meaning sharp or pointed, and "moros" meaning foolish or absurd.
The purpose of an oxymoron is to create emphasis, add humor, or provoke thought by juxtaposing opposing ideas. It is commonly used in literature, poetry, advertising, and everyday language to convey complex concepts or feelings in a concise and memorable manner.
An example of an oxymoron is "bittersweet," where bitter and sweet are opposing sensations, yet are used together to describe an emotional experience that contains both elements. Other common oxymorons include "jumbo shrimp," "living dead," "deafening silence," and "seriously funny."
Oxymorons often employ contrasting adjectives, like "cruel kindness" or "icy fire," to create a vivid and imaginative image that captures the attention of the listener or reader. By combining these contradictory terms, an oxymoron challenges the logical assumption that two opposing ideas cannot coexist, leading to a deeper exploration of meaning and interpretation.
Overall, the use of an oxymoron adds depth, complexity, and intrigue to language, allowing for creative expression and the exploration of ideas and emotions that lie outside the traditional boundaries of language.
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A figure of speech in which an epithet of quite an opposite signification is added to a word, as, a wooden milestone, a cruel kindness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for OXYMORON *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for OXYMORON
Etymology of OXYMORON
The word oxymoron is derived from the Greek words oxy- meaning sharp or keen, and moros meaning foolish or dull. The combination of these two words creates a meaning of sharply foolish or sharp dullness.
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