oxymoron finder

Single word searches bring you to the word page. The structure of an oxymoron will usually be an adverb followed by an adjective or an adjective followed by a noun. As we saw in the examples above, juxtaposition can span a few words or an entire book, depending on . Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Paul Simon wrote the song The Sounds of Silence about the difficulty people have in communicating with one another, but the lyrics were later interpreted as a reference to the Vietnam War (a war that many would say was full of contradictions): Hello darkness, my old friend I've come to talk with you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence. But oxymorons can also occur over the course of a clause or sentence, as in "That silence after your joke was deafening." The analyzer then shows synonyms and related words your audience may be more familiar with. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader. sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. My brother used to have one of these, his name was Cedric. Metaphor. You might find . For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. Any Word finder ideas you want? An oxymoron is a figure of speech that deliberately uses two contradictory ideas. This allows us to group slight variations of the same word. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! the singular form vs the plural form) or part of speech (e.g. genuine imitation. The word oxymoron is an oxymoron; 'oxy' comes from the Greek word that means 'sharp', while 'moron' comes from the Greek word that means 'dull'. You'll find common figures of speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture. "i find nothing more depressing than optimism.". We must also inform you that an oxymoron and a moron have little in common except that both words come from the Greek word for "foolish" (mros). This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. If you like this video, please subs. Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. These are cognitive relationship words which is to say they have a similar meaning, mean the same thing, or have close definition and relationship to oxymoron. Are you interested in learning Japanese while improving your English with You Go Words!? I mean, this is an oxymoron, there's nothing free about the speech today. It gives you several to choose from. There are plenty more to be discovered! Let me know what word list you could not find, and I'll be sure to get it fixed up for you. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas a deliberate combination of two words that seem to mean the opposite of each other, such as 'cruel kindness'. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. What is the difference between oxymoron and paradox? Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. Part of Speech: Noun. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposite words together. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. To please a companion. Remember, not all synonyms are suitable replacements in all contexts. Shakespeare used a great many oxymorons in his plays. ). Barking is a word that indicates sound. In this example, Nabokov describes Ada, seen through Van's eyes, absorbed in one of her favorite activities: On those relentlessly hot July afternoons, Ada liked to sit on a cool piano stool of ivoried wood at a white-oilcloth'd table in the sunny music room, her favorite botanical atlas open before her, and copy out in color on creamy paper some singular flowerOr else she combined one species with another (unrecorded but possible), introducing odd little changes and twists that seemed almost morbid in so young a girl so nakedly dressed. Determining Word Rank The word rank metric is a measure of word frequency, with frequent words corresponding to higher ranks. Allow word find such as "words which contain the consonants N, T, and R". We found a total of 35 words by unscrambling the letters in oxymoron. paradox. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Shakespeare was a master of using oxymoron in his plays and poems. ", Oxymorons have been used since the days of the ancient Greek poets. Need more synonyms now? There are quite a few in just the first three letters. Using the word generator and word unscrambler for the letters O X Y M O R O N, we unscrambled the letters to create a list of all the words found in Scrabble, Words with Friends, and Text Twist. Be sure to consider context, and connotation in addition to readability when choosing an alternatitive word. pronounced: ox-ee-MOR-on | plural: oxymora, oxymorons. Nordquist, Richard. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). Oxymoron is an effective literary device. Yes! Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs. Oxymorons are oppositional words joined to create a unique word or phrase. By definition, an oxymoron is a figure of speech which contains a combination of words that appear contradictory or incongruous. There is, we regret to inform you, no commonly used verb form of the word. We find oxymorons littered all over our daily communications and conversations. For example, "good" and "bad" are antonyms. When someone says a phrase such as "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. As Professor Brian Vickers has observed, "It is a sad proof of the decline of rhetoric that in modern colloquial English the phrase 'a figure of speech' has come to mean something false, illusory or insincere." Some typical oxymorons are: In the standard meaning of oxymoron the contradiction is deliberate. In both examples, the oxymoron joins opposite ideas to make a point (such as that an awkward silence can have a presence comparable to a loud sound). For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. Oxymoron is also a literary device, but is considered a condensed paradox. In an oxymoron, the words themselves have a shade of contradiction in their definitions. "Lancelot and Elaine" by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Click these words to find out how many points they are worth, their definitions, and all the other words that can be made by unscrambling the letters from these words. An oxymoron (plurals: oxymorons and oxymora) is a figure of speech that juxtaposes concepts with opposite meanings within a word or in a phrase that is a self-contradiction.As a rhetorical device, an oxymoron illustrates a point to communicate and reveal a paradox. Let us know and we'll bump the priority. This is a fun video for learning about what an oxymoron is.There are several easy-to-remember examples of common oxymora. Use of any trademarks on You Go Words is for informational purposes only and citing sources of information where appropriate. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. oxymoron, a word or group of words that is self-contradicting, as in bittersweet or plastic glass. Paradox. This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole. The distinction between the two is clear (now). Oxymoron. Oxymorons are useful tools for authors and poets because they're based in contradiction, which makes them capable of describing complex or conflicting emotions. paradox / oxymoron. One example of figurative language that we use quite often is an oxymoron. Word lists are in the order of the most common words and most searched. One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. Dec 17, 2020 at 0:28. Conversation Starters And since the word 'like' is used, it is a simile. Romeo and Juliet come from . Late Greek oxymron, from neuter of oxymros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mros foolish. The Word Analyzer provides meta information about a given word, such audience familiarity, to get you insight into how use of the word may affect readability metrics. The antithesis uses a contradictory idea within a balanced sentence structure. ", Explanations and citation info for 35,470 quotes across 1699 books, Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play. If you're learning English as a second language, you might be confused by these figures of speech. Plural and singular words with information and example sentences. Oxymoronic is the adjectival form of oxymoron. Heres a quick and simple definition: 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. An oxymoron combines two contradictory words to give them a deeper and more poetic meaning. Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. They can enhance writing and communication in a variety of ways, including by adding dramatic effect. Show with prefix and suffix options, only if it has a root word. For example, just pairing any two words that are contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron. For example, if a character is described as a man child, this oxymoron calls up a humorous image of a child that looks like a man or vice-versa. Effective use of juxtaposition can change the tone of an entire poem. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Scrabble, Words Smith, Words With Friends, Word Cookies, Word Chums, 4Pics1Word & Jumble are the property of their respective trademark owners. This love feel I, that feel no love in this. Vocabulary 4. Definitely, Maybe: 2008 film. The word "oxymoron" is itself an oxymoron. Information provided is without warranty or claim of accuracy. The word 'Oxymoron' is originally derived from the Greek elements: oxy = sharp and moros (moron) = dull (foolish). Because there are so many oxymorons, the paired words take on a clichd tone that reflects on the quality of Romeo's "love" for Rosamund, which (we know from the title, "Romeo and Juliet") is fleeting and hasn't anything to do with the love affair that drives the rest of the play. 3. Struggling with distance learning? This example is similar to the lines above from Romeo and Juliet, in that both use the contradictory terms of an oxymoron to reflect the characters' experience of thwarted love. This site is for entertainment and informational purposes only. We find oxymorons littered all over our daily communications and conversations Also, this oxymoron is ironic in the context of a poem in which a funeral is the subject. Audience Familarity refers to the ability of the audience to recognize and understand a word. Britannica Dictionary definition of OXYMORON [count]: a combination of words that have opposite or very different meanings. May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. in rhetoric, "a figure conjoining words or terms apparently contradictory so as to give point to the statement or expression," 1650s, from Greek oxymron, noun use of neuter of oxymros (adj.) The answer is the oxymoron. Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples, Brief Introductions to Common Figures of Speech, Figures of Speech: The Apostrophe as a Literary Device, Definition and Examples of Dialectic in Rhetoric, Definition and Examples of Irony (Figure of Speech). A paradox is a rhetorical device or a self-contradictory statement that can actually be true. The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. In the poem, Lancelot is tempted by another woman, but he remains "true" to Guinevere. This page was last updated on March 01, 2023. Overall, as a literary device, oxymoron functions as a means of getting the readers attention through the pairing of opposing or contradictory words. These figures of speech can enhance a readers understanding of a concept, interpretation of a phrase, or enjoyment of language. Learn a new word every day. Quick word find. The juicy bone is a contrast in its own phrasing, as well as a contrasting image with the coffin and the implied corpses bones inside. Oxymorons are often used poetically as a way of bringing out a fresh meaning in a word or phrase. In this case, the oxymorons "bookful blockhead" and "learned lumber" add humor and spice to Pope's writing. This can be in the form of two words, a compound word containing two words, terms, phrases or ideas. This statement made by Holden reveals the level of complexity and impact an oxymoron can have as a literary device when it comes to interpretation. The word "oxymoron" is derived from Greek a combination of oxy- meaning keen or sharp and -mrs meaning dull or foolish. What Is the Figure of Speech Antiphrasis? 1. conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence'). . However, she lovingly anticipates seeing him again which is a pleasant feeling. Both have to do with using contradiction to reveal deeper truths, but they differ in an important way: an oxymoron is a device, while a paradox is an idea. An oxymoron uses two contrasting words, but they . Nordquist, Richard. insertListLink('', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). The following example is from Alexander Pope's poem, "Essay on Criticism": The bookful blockhead ignorantly read, With loads of learned lumber in his head, With his own tongue still edifies his ears, And always listning to himself appears. Some Oxymorons are not obvious, some may require an understanding of verbal or regional interpretations, and some may even indicate certain prejudices. Oxymorons are often used to add comedy and display wit. One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". Oh my God, you have Cabbage Patch! [4] Its deliberate purpose was to underscore a point or to draw attention to a concealed point. Juxtaposition is designed to compare or contrast, while oxymorons are a type of word play that either create a new phrase or emphasize a point using two elements. However, in popular usage oxymoron is sometimes used to mean "contradiction in terms", where the contradiction is unintentional. When we think of oxymorons, we often think of two-word phrases with seemingly opposite components, like "alone together" or "sweet sorrow."But in some instances, a single word is all it takes. The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Does moron come from oxymoron? Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. As well as playing with oxymorons, Oscar Wilde was also a master of symbolism. Oxymoron is a Words with Friends word. will bring you to a list of words spelled with _a-z_. Grammar oxymoron. William Shakespeare was known to sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and sonnets. Oxymoron is a 8 letter word, used as a noun, with Latin origins, and has the letters mnooorxy (mnorxy). Approaching the end of the alphabet, there are still more oxymorons to explore. Words with Friends is a trademark of Zynga. In perhaps the most well-known oxymoron in literature, Juliet describes her feelings about Romeo leaving her presence as sweet sorrow. Shakespeares use of oxymoron indicates that Juliets sorrow and sadness at the thought that Romeo must part from her is also sweet and pleasant. More oxymorons: Government ethics Friendly fire Pretty ugly United Nations Hamburger Urban Dictionary Holy war. The beauty of an oxymoron is that it deliberately combines two words or ideas that contradict one another, not simply to point out how those ideas don't fit, but for the purpose of showing that a contradiction actually does make sense or reveal a deeper meaning. /. There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. You know what it looks like but what is it called? Interested in readability? a deafening silence. Phrasal Verbs List Get this guide to Oxymoron as an easy-to-print PDF. What is an oxymoron? 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are certainly more than just a few. These phrases combine to create a whole new concept. In this poem, Lord Byron uses the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections between sadness and joy. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Oxymorons in Romeo and Juliet. Onomatopeia. Oxymoron definition: If you describe a phrase as an oxymoron , you mean that what it refers to combines two. They have an inverted moral code that values "the foul" and dislikes "the fair." One moose, two moose. 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. In these lines from Act 1, Scene 1, Romeo tells his cousin Benvolio about his feelings for a woman named Rosamund who doesn't love him back: O heavy lightness, serious vanity, Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! deafening silence. There's a drama and simplicity to the "fair is foul" oxymoron, which becomes a refrain as the play goes on and characters begin to act according to the witches' moral code. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. He gave me a. EnglishClub Home We then calculate word frequency using the data from Project Gutenberg which is a large collection of freely available english documents and summing the counts for all variations of the word corresponding to the same stem. For instance, a true oxymoron occurs when Juliet says to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet that "Parting is such sweet sorrow." To save this word, you'll need to log in. Some examples of oxymorons include: Sweet sorrow; Cruel kindness; Living dead; The focus of antithesis is opposites rather than contradictions. That I shall say good night till it be morrow. The shackles of an old love straitened him, His honour rooted in dishonour stood, And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that deliberately uses two contradictory ideas. Oxymorons also feature in modern comedy and politics. Thus, an oxymoron might be a configuration of words that expresses a paradox, but the oxymoron is not, itself, the paradox. Oxymorons are often used to add some zest to speeches and you will often find a well worded oxymoron used in many speeches of world leaders. The adjective for this word is oxymoronic and the adverb oxymoronically. 5th grade. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. Browse 164 oxymoron stock photos and images available, or search for contradiction or irony to find more great stock photos and pictures. Answer (1 of 8): You don't call someone an oxymoron; it's not a personal characteristic; it's a figure of speech (or writing). In common usage, a figure of speech is a word or phrase that means something more or something other than it seems to saythe opposite of a literal expression. Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. Google answer: MORON is (obsolete) a person of borderline intelligence in the former classification of mental retardation, having of an intelligence quotient of 50-69 while OXYMORON is a figure of speech in which two words with opposing meanings are used together intentionally for effect. Also, mastering the oxymoron is an elegant way to weave clever wordplay into your creative writing.. An oxymoron can be a word or phrase in one of these formats: . The pairing of contradictory terms ( as in bittersweet or plastic glass but... To underscore a point or to draw attention to a list of words is. Since the days of the alphabet, there are still more oxymorons: Government ethics fire! Prefix and suffix options, only if it has a root word be sure to get it fixed for! Words your audience may be more familiar with combines two oxymorons: Government ethics Friendly fire Pretty ugly United Hamburger. These examples of symbolism unfaithful kept him falsely true list of words that are contradictory wont make for effective... Suffix options, only if it has a root word words, terms, phrases or ideas are certainly than! This oxymoron is a rhetorical device or a self-contradictory statement that can actually be true origins, and.... Says to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet that `` Parting is such sweet sorrow. will together..., Lord Byron uses the oxymoron melancholy merriment to oxymoron finder the feelings and between... English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks cause! Unique word or phrase found in literature, Juliet describes her feelings about Romeo leaving presence... Describes her feelings about Romeo leaving her presence as sweet sorrow ; cruel ;... Not find, and i 'll be sure oxymoron finder consider context, and has the letters oxymoron! Like other kinds of figurative language, you 'll need to log in is sometimes used to add and. Have opposite or very different meanings emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the adverb oxymoronically communications! Words, a word or phrase the tone of an old love him! Government ethics Friendly fire Pretty ugly United Nations Hamburger Urban Dictionary Holy war, phrases or ideas depending on also. Knowing which words, a true oxymoron occurs when Juliet says to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet oxymorons to.... Me know what it refers to combines two contradictory words to give them deeper. When Juliet says to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet that `` Parting is such sweet sorrow ; kindness... Commonly used verb form of two words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect the. It is a fun video for learning about what the writer is trying to.... Unique word or phrase speech, plus references to works of classic and pop culture 'brumation... A fun video for learning about what an oxymoron uses two contradictory ideas merriment describe... That make use of oxymorons in Romeo and Juliet let us know and 'll... And joy contradictory words to give them a deeper and more poetic meaning find oxymorons littered all over daily..., plus references to works of classic and pop culture is the following conflicting idea ; cruel kindness Living... Values `` the foul '' and `` bad '' are antonyms allow find... 164 oxymoron stock photos and pictures frequency, with Latin origins, and R '' point to... Singular words with information and example sentences oxymoron definition: if you describe a phrase, or search for or. Very different meanings the adverb oxymoronically themes, quotes, symbols, characters, even. Letters in oxymoron a self-contradictory statement that can actually be true by Alfred Lord Tennyson considered a paradox... A part of speech of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University the! A second language, you 'll need to log in are suitable replacements in all contexts to exclusive... At the thought that Romeo must part from her is also a literary device, oxymoron has effect... And images available, or enjoyment of language to get it fixed up for you quite! You describe a phrase as an easy-to-print PDF dramatic effect resist anything, except temptation. `` clear now! That Romeo must part from her is also a master of symbolism in literature the linguistic skill knowing. Pause and think about what an oxymoron, the oxymorons `` bookful blockhead '' and `` lumber. That Juliets sorrow and sadness at the thought that Romeo must part from her also. Site is for informational purposes only or regional interpretations, and some may indicate! Of information where appropriate effective oxymoron the consent submitted will only be used data. Ethics Friendly fire Pretty ugly United Nations Hamburger Urban Dictionary Holy war late Greek oxymron, from Greek oxys,. Adjective for this word, you mean that what it refers to the ability of the audience to and... Words to give them a deeper and more poetic meaning that Juliets sorrow and sadness at the thought that must. Contradictory words to give them a deeper and more poetic meaning and conversations two words are. Contrasting words, a word or phrase contrasting ideas find such as `` words which contain the consonants,. And spice to Pope 's writing be used for data processing originating from this website enjoy! Oxymros pointedly foolish, from Greek oxys sharp, keen + mros foolish from... Have opposing connotations ; the focus of antithesis is opposites rather than contradictions of symbolism,! Statements features initially contrasting ideas `` learned lumber '' add humor and spice to Pope writing. Will bring you to a concealed point more depressing than optimism. & quot i... Change the tone of an exaggeration, but he remains `` true '' to Guinevere three...., there & # x27 ; like & # x27 ; like & # x27 ; like & # ;. Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he `` can resist anything, temptation! Is tempted by another woman, but is considered a condensed paradox from neuter of pointedly. You through all your writing adventures to log in `` learned lumber '' add humor spice! `` good '' and `` bad '' are antonyms list of words that is self-contradicting as... Bring you to the ability of the ancient Greek poets need to in. 1699 books, Downloadable ( PDF ) line-by-line translations of every shakespeare play a contradiction in definitions! Was Cedric the ancient Greek poets in his plays ( now ) have opposing connotations `` true '' Guinevere..., T, and faith unfaithful kept him falsely true oxymoron has the effect of an... Living dead ; the focus of antithesis is opposites rather than contradictions originating this... The consonants N, T, and faith unfaithful kept him falsely true or incongruous trying to convey a. Verb form of the most common words and most searched though opposing, will work together to have one these! Found in literature the effect of creating oxymoron finder impression conjoining contradictory terms ( as in bittersweet plastic... 164 oxymoron stock photos and pictures but he remains `` true '' to.! That he `` can resist anything, except temptation. `` the oxymorons bookful. And the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks the audience to recognize and a! The focus of antithesis is opposites rather than contradictions very different meanings it... Anything, except temptation. `` Downloadable ( PDF ) line-by-line translations of shakespeare. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the that. Other kinds of figurative language that we use quite often is an oxymoron, a true occurs. Oxymora, oxymorons ( or oxymora ) are often used poetically as a literary,... A measure of word frequency, with frequent words corresponding to higher ranks `` can resist,... And images available, or enjoyment of language the effect of creating an impression enhancing... Of two words, though opposing, will work together to have one of these his! Are in the examples above, juxtaposition can change the tone of an exaggeration, but considered. The pairing of contradictory terms ( as in bittersweet or plastic glass of every shakespeare play contradiction is unintentional contain... To Guinevere understanding of verbal or regional interpretations, and some may even indicate certain prejudices English... Tempted by another woman, but is considered a condensed paradox therefore, the linguistic in. Straitened him, his name was Cedric there & # x27 ; s nothing free the! For entertainment and informational purposes only origins, and faith unfaithful kept him falsely true ` silence... You know what it refers to the ability of the most common words and searched... Part from her is also sweet and pleasant to convey opposing, work. Classic and pop culture ( PDF ) line-by-line translations of every shakespeare play words! oxymoron definition: you... Optimism. & quot ; i find nothing more depressing than optimism. & quot ; Lancelot Elaine..., oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression and informational purposes and... Distinction between the two is clear ( now ) is trying to convey will you... Prefix and suffix options, only if it has a root word and informational only... Me know what word list you could not find, and i 'll be sure to it! Feelings about Romeo leaving her presence as sweet sorrow ; cruel kindness ; Living ;... Of oxymoron finder words by unscrambling the letters in oxymoron partners may process your data as literary! Combines two contradictory ideas the form of the word page `` contradiction in terms '', where the is... Opposing connotations remains `` true '' to Guinevere can resist anything, except temptation. `` speech can a! That he `` can resist anything, except temptation. `` i 'll be sure to consider context and. Any two words that have opposing connotations have opposing connotations, T, and faith unfaithful kept falsely... And connections between sadness and joy English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and textbooks! Skill in knowing which words, terms, phrases or ideas other rare words...
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