Jun 27, 2012 oxymorons are extremely useful in written english because they can make effective titles, add dramatic effect, add flavor to speech, and can sometimes be used to achieve a comedic effect. The most recognizable oxymorons are adjectivenoun pairs, as in the phrase proud humility. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. An oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words such as gentle violence. An oxymoron, however, may produce a dramatic effect but does not make sense. An oxymoron is two words, or a compound word, with contradictory definitions. An oxymoron is a figure of speech where two words of opposite meaning are used together. These literary devices and rhetorical tools play an interesting role in both writing and speech. Remind students that an oxymoron is a combination of two contradictory words. The combination of these contradicting elements serves to reveal a paradox, confuse, or give the reader a laugh. A paradox seems contradictory to the general truth, but it does contain an implied truth. The conservative political writer william buckley, for instance, became famous for quotes like, an intelligent liberal is an oxymoron. The word oxymoron is derived from the greek for pointedly foolish oxys sharpkeen and moros foolish.
These contrasting ideas may be words or phrases and may be glued together or spaced out in a sentence. An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which words or phrases that appear to express opposite thoughts are used in conjunction and describe a situation where both words or phrases are aptly applied. After completing this lesson, the students will be able to. Oxymoron definition of oxymoron by the free dictionary. The above oxymoron examples produce a comical effect. An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other. See more ideas about funny signs, literary terms and cool phrases. Not everyone fully understands how oxymorons function in a sentence. Oxymorons are similar to such other devices as paradox and antithesis and are often used in poetry and other literature. By definition, the word shrimp refers to something very small. Your honour secondly asked about the phrase, the apparent oxymoron of nonexclusive possession acts. A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true.
What is the difference between contradiction in terms. Oxymorons are figures of speech in which two contradictory terms are combined in order to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. Advise students to identify the meaning of each term separately and combine the meanings to create one meaning. The most common form of oxymoron involves an oxymoronnoun combination of two words. One of the most famous examples of the use of oxymorons is the following speech.
Oxymorons are considered to be statements that contradict themselves. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses contradictory terms in conjunction, which means words that dont appear to go well together. An oxymoron is a figure of speech words that seem to cancel each other out, like working vacation or instant classic. Oxymoron is one of the figures of speech whereas contradiction in terms is not so. Have students discuss what the meaning of this oxymoron might be. Explain to students that in this lesson they will identify, use, and explain oxymora to gain an understanding of how they are used for dramatic effect in writing. Oxymoron examples oxymoron, classroom survival, figure. Pdf the study deals with the linguistic analysis of oxymoron as a figure of speech in which two words or phrases with contrasting meanings are brought. Oxymoron definition and examples any passionate learner of the english language may be familiar with the different figures of speech, such as hyperbole expressions and onomatopoeic words. An oxymoron is a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. Here is a comprehensive list of 64 examples of oxymorons in sentences. Oxymoron, plural oxymora, is a figure of speech in which two opposite. A paradox seems contradictory to the general truth but it does contain an implied truth.
A paradox is a logical puzzle that seems to contradict itself. A deafening silence o heavy lightness cold fire sick health day in night. Acquire a clear understanding of the concept of the figurative language device oxymoron. By definition, immigrants arrived in the destination country legally. Examples oxymoron definition examples of oxymorons oxymora oxymoron. There are roaches infesting the pest control office. It will compare the traditional and modern role of managers and then the essay will provide some ethical theories to explain the reasons of views that business ethics is or isnt an oxymoron. What is the difference between contradiction in terms and. Answers should include references to the following.
Oxymoron definition, a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly selfcontradictory effect, as in cruel kindness or to make haste slowly. Oxymoron examples and definition of oxymoron literary devices. An oxymoron combine two completely different words to describe something. This bundle contains 5 readytouse oxymoron worksheets that are perfect to test student knowledge and understanding of what an oxymoron is and how it can be used. An oxymoron, on the other hand, is a combination of two contradictory or opposite words. There is a contradiction of business ethics and this essay will discuss whether business ethics is an oxymoron or not. The following list of funny and clever oxymorons will help to inspire your own search for the next oxymoron to add. The literary term of oxymoron is covered in this multiple choice quiz. Any passionate learner of the english language may be familiar with the different figures of speech, such as hyperbole expressions and onomatopoeic words. Oxymorons are often found in literature, but as shown by this list of 100 awfully good. The most commonlyused example of an oxymoron is jumbo shrimp, as a shrimp is small by definition and therefore cannot be jumbo. I mean, this is an oxymoron, theres nothing free about the speech today.
An oxymoron usual plural oxymorons, more rarely oxymora is a rhetorical device that uses an ostensible selfcontradiction to illustrate a rhetorical point or to reveal a paradox. An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms or ideas are intentionally paired in order to make a pointparticularly to reveal a deeper or hidden truth. With that being said, here are some clever oxymoron examples in the form of sentences. Oxymoron, a word or group of words that is selfcontradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. Alliteration examples alliteration is a term that describes a literary stylistic device. Definition of oxymorons from our glossary of english linguistic and grammatical terms containing explanations and crossreferences to other relevant english grammar terms. Sometimes theyre used to create a little bit of drama for the reader. But by using these oxymorons in its proper context, it will help provide a better clue of how and why they are used in literature and everyday speech. For example, she sells seashells down by the seashore or peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers are both alliterative phrases.
The most commonlyused example of an oxymoron is jumbo shrimp, as a shrimp. Oxymoron definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory or inappropriate terms are either put together or appear side by side. A paradox makes your brain hurt because it seems like something is true and false at the same time. English grammar tenses teaching english grammar english writing skills english grammar book pdf english vocabulary words english verbs english phrases english language learning english fun. However, with an oxymoron the incongruous word pairing conveys a truth or a dramatic result. So the word oxymoron is itself an oxymoron, literally meaning something. Oxymoron definition is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words such as cruel kindness. Examples of oxymoron are found both in casual conversations and in literature.
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that puts together opposite elements. Learn more about oxymorons by reading on and checking out some of our funny examples. Examples of famous oxymorons are great depression and act naturally. The essay will give some examples to present how business and ethics mutually work in the business fields and evaluation of some controversial cases by using nonconsequences theory as well. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe lifes inherent conflicts and incongruities. Alliteration occurs when a series of words in a row or close to a row have the same first consonant sound. A good example of an oxymoron comes from the debut album by english rock band oasis, which is named definitely maybe. Humor can be found anywhere you look or read and an oxymoron flag waved. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. Listen to the audio pronunciation in the cambridge english dictionary. Oxymoron examples, definitions and worksheets kidskonnect. You can use these oxymoron worksheets in the classroom with students, or with home schooled children as well. If you describe a phrase as an oxymoron, you mean that what it refers to combines two. Jan 30, 2017 oxymoron is derived from the 5th century latin.
Aug 09, 2015 tell students that an oxymoron is a combination of two contradictory words, or words that cancel each other out, usually side by side in a sentence. Because a paradox is surprising or even shocking, it draws the readers attention to what is being said. A lesson plan that presents teaching and learning resources on oxymoron. Another example is the term civil war, which is not an oxymoron, but can be claimed to be so for humorous eect, if civil is construed as meaning polite rather than. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses contradictory terms. Definition, usage and a list of oxymoron examples in common speech and literature. This creates an interesting contrasting effect known as juxtaposition. A more general meaning of contradiction in terms not necessarily for rhetoric effect is recorded by the oed for 1902 the term is first recorded as latinized greek oxymorum, in maurus servius honoratus c. Identify the following as paradox, equivocation or doublespeak, irony, or oxymoron in the sentences below. An oxymoron is a phrase that seems to use contradictory terms to express a particular thought or sentiment. Oxymoron examples whoever finds english an exciting language to learn, will be familiar with the word oxymoron. Definition and examples of oxymoron in speech and literature 7 e s l. Pdf the study deals with the linguistic analysis of oxymoron as a figure of speech. But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in.