The question then arises: why do we have the kind of chemistry encapsulated by the word kenzoku with only a few people we know and not scores of others? The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. However, a bone may seem juicy to a dog that is salivating at the thought of chewing it. Whether in, The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. The reader must momentarily pause to comprehend and process the meaningin other words, oxymorons make the reader think. powerful, a gift of great value! It is also comedic in terms of behavior, both in terms of a man acting like a child or a child behaving like a man. Now that we know the definition of oxymoron, let's take a look at some examples. I personally think intellectual property is an oxymoron. Ask questions; get answers. "Hook-up sex" is mostly void of relationship beyond the physical connection; a form of playing by using each other's bodies. This presents the word. Chalk it up to the forced female autonomy that occurred during wartime, when Rosie the Riveter went to work in the factories, constructing the Allies' war machines while taking charge of the finances, the home, and the children. Today, we are taking a deep dive into the definition of this literary device. Reading these words together will often cause a reader to pause and think about what the writer is trying to convey. Friendship smiled and said, 'To put a smile where you leave tears.'. School Memberships, 2023 OwlEyes.org, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Before you lash out, learn how to de-identify and maintain your perspective. Toxic friends: 10 common signs and what you can do about it Copyright 2023 Literary Devices. - Contact Us - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions, Definition and Examples of Literary Terms, Little Bighorn Battlefield (national monument in Montana), CatDog (American animated television series), Big Little Lies (book by Liane Moriarty, adapted into television series for HBO), Quotes from a Devout Atheist (compilation book of Richard Dawkins quotes), Waking Dream (American documentary film), You cant have more types of fake news than real news. (Elon Musk), Im nobody! The first criteria we should look for in this partner is someone who is ultimately a good friend to us, meaning that they are kind, positive, loving, and supportive. Deafening silence is way overdone. The inherent setup of contradictory words works great for jokes and other witty statements. My book, The Undefeated Mind: On the Science of Constructing an Indestructible Self, is available now; read the sample chapter and visit Amazon or Barnes & Noble to order your copy. Also, this oxymoron is ironic in the context of a poem in which a funeral is the subject. Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. Oxymoron - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com Technically, one cannot be deep and superficial, as these words are opposites. As rhetorical devices, oxymorons have been used in many different mediums from political speeches to novels to stage plays. How many do you? A podcast where we show you how to stand out in a world where people are already inundated with content. I ended up finding a local hiking group with the hopes of meeting people with similar interests. And I have a really great agent and I know it's almost an oxymoron to say you have a smart agent. When Youre Most Likely to Long for Sex With Your Ex, 2 Ways Empathy Determines the Type of Partner We Choose, To Be Happy for the Rest of Your Life, Seek These Goals, 6 Surprising Ways to Change Habits and Transform Your Life, If You Think You Have ADHD, Ask Yourself These 5 Questions. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. . Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. These 50+ oxymoron examples are listed alphabetically and arranged by category (i.e., the type of oxymoron word combination). This contradiction is also known as a paradox. This oxymoron means unlimited free drinks, but, by definition, a bar keeps something closed offthe opposite of open. Alex Lickerman, M.D., is a general internist and former Director of Primary Care at the University of Chicago and has been a practicing Buddhist since 1989. The John Legend song "All of Me" has a catchy verse with an oxymoron: Nineties kids might remember the oxymoronic (and often outright moronic!) For even more examples of oxymorons in sentences, take a look at these examples of funny oxymoron quotes. Well provide oxymoron examples and provide guidance on how theyre used, but first, lets look at a more thorough oxymoron definition. There are many oxymoron examples that you might come across in your everyday life. Paradox is a literary device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas. The politician gave his deceptively honest opinion. She decides to go to Harvard Law School because she wants to win her boyfriend back. Here are a few more for your list: Many oxymorons are so commonly used that they have become clich. ), so this article explains everything you need to know. Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. All rights reserved. Retributive and restorative justice in relationships. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two opposing words or contradictory words to convey a new idea. Oedipus curses his father's killer, but he is unaware that he is actually his father's killer and has cursed himself. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings, like old news, deafening silence, or organized chaos. Oxymorons may seem illogical at first, but in context they usually make sense. You don't have to make yourself into what you think others would find attractive. Definition and Examples. The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. This presents the word silence in a unique way thats particularly expressive. There are plenty of other oxymoron examples in pop culture. If Holdens claim is that he is wonderful at being an untruthful person, then he casts doubt as to the truth of his own statement to the reader about being a terrific liar as well. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Be the friend you want to have. On the nightly news, you might hear about an escaped prisoner or a controversy with a foreign national. And because oxymorons provoke curiosity and interest, they make great titles for books, movies, and television. Virtual reality is an oxymoron because "virtual" implies that something isn't real, but reality implies that it is. However, if you think too hard about the meaning, you'll realize that on the surface it doesn't quite make sense. Ready to read some of the best oxymoron examples out there? Banksy, Wall and Piece. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, O brawling love! These are all examples of Oxymoron's, but what are they, and how can your students use them in their writing?I. | Oxymoron in Friendship - Owl Eyes According to the Oxford Learner's Dictionary, oxymoron is defined as "a phrase that combines two words that seem to be the opposite of each other.". The defining characteristic of an oxymoron is combining words or phrases that have opposite meanings. Generally, the ideas will come astwo separate words placed side by side. They also occasionally work well with. insertListLink('Huge List of Oxymoron Examples', 1, 2, 'endfirsth2'). Or if you would prefer to get your master's degree, you'll be a graduate student. Quotes tagged as "oxymoron" Showing 1-30 of 31. Maybe you've told a joke only to get deafening silence in response. Oxymoron is an effective literary device. Our beliefs and experiences affect how we show up in a relationship. ., And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true., The main difference between an oxymoron and a paradox is that, . We have continued to support each other over the years, and even more importantly, we always make time for one another. Hollywood hits Night of the Living Dead, True Lies, and Definitely, Maybe are all examples of oxymoron. Oxymoron - Examples and Definition of Oxymoron - Literary Devices From William Shakespeare to Fall Out Boy, you can see just how versatile oxymoron is as a literary device. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. Which murders your poem with a harsh bite. Classic examples of oxymorons include "jumbo shrimp" and "dull roar" - new descriptions formed by opposite words. Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: With loads of learned lumber in his head . The word oxymoron is an ancient Greek word, which translates most closely to something like sharply dull or cleverly stupid. In other words, the oxymoron definition is itself an oxymoron. The Japanese have a term, kenzoku, which translated literally means "family." Oxymorons are not meant to be taken literally. This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. Together, these words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga behavior that is generally associated with indignity. One example of a paradox is the following conflicting idea. Time and distance do nothing to diminish the bond we have in the deepest kinds of friendship. The second half of the word comes from the ancient Greek word "mros," meaning dull or foolish. Together, oxymoros meant "pointedly foolish". I must refuse it in order to be worthy to receive it. Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via : Subscribe for writing hacks, special offers and free stuff, 2023 - Orpheus Technology, prowritingaid.com. 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 present an ideal opportunity to be clever or funny. In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone. Of course, a bone is generally considered dry and the opposite of juicy. We can only control our actions and hold ourselves accountable, but we cannot control our friend or our partner's reaction. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. When shes not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? William Shakespeare 's Romeo and Juliet includes several oxymorons that both elevate the play's language and foreshadow its tragic ending. As we move through life, we find that there are many things out of our control. Friendship ought to be a gratuitous joy, like the joys afforded by art, or life (like aesthetic joys). The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true. 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. Friend is defined as "a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; a person who gives assistance; patron. These were bloggersa term not . Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Lancelot and Elaine" inIdylls of the King. Now, don't let your brain start to hurt just yetup next, we take a look at oxymoron examples in sentences from literature and pop culture. We get to share the beautiful aspects of life with people who we love, which can enrich our everyday experiences. Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. What are Phonemes, Graphemes, and Digraphs? Paradox A statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. When someone says a phrase such as "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. Physical objects have a completely different natural economy than intellectual goods. Here are some well-known and recognizable examples of this figure of speech: People are often confused by the difference between oxymoron and paradox. In contrast, an, is a description thats enjoyed in the moment and then forgotten as the, There are many great oxymorons out there, and more are discovered and invented every day. Why too much medicine is just as bad as too little. When there are bumps in a friendship or a romantic relationship, its important to work through those tough times. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes. Review the example sentences below to get a better sense of how oxymorons can be used in sentences and dialogue. It plays with readers' expectations to demonstrate themes or build tension. Reviewed by Jessica Schrader. Well go over exactly what an oxymoron is and then show you four oxymoron examples from pop culture and literature. The supporting, loving part of our relationship wasnt there anymore, so it was no longer worth putting energy into maintaining a friendship that had changed so much. When used well, your reader or listener will at least smile if not laugh out loud. Through various oxymoronic expressions, such as delicious torment, beautiful enemy, and sweet poison, Emerson encapsulates the paradoxical nature of friendship. Each line uses parallel structure and contrasting ideas. Nordquist, Richard. show CatDog. The Science of Flirting: Deciphering Subtle Signals, The Differences Between Hook-Up Sex, Marital Sex, and Making Love, 8 Warning Signs of Emotional Neglect in a Family. However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. Comma Before "Except": When You Do and Don't Need One, List of 50 "In Conclusion" SynonymsWrite Better with ProWritingAid. In the below example, perhaps I could have said "aristocrats" or "high born", which both convey an identical meaning without being clichd. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile" We are friends; we have been for a long time. The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. Oxymoron: When an astronaut feels under the weather. The sentences in this section feature oxymorons from the list above. One day, love and friendship met. Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. Oscar Wilde. A paradox is when two contrasting ideas are put together for the purposes of creating a comparison. A great example is the movie, Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon. The meaning of OXYMORON is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness); broadly : something (such as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. See in text("Friendship"). An oxymoron is a paradoxical phrase or pair of words that contradicts itself. Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. Their parents probably preferred Simon and Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence" or the Beatles' "Hard Day's Night". An oxymoron is a combination of words, typically just two words, with contradictory meanings. Friendship is constant in all other things, Save in the office and affairs of love. It was called Waking Dream. But avoid cliques like bittersweet. Oxymorons may seem illogical at first, but in context they usually make sense. Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. Some people fall into yo-yo relationship patterns in which they repeatedly leave their partners only to expect reconciliation later. Find full texts with expert analysis in our extensive library. However, oxymorons themselves are not automatically clichs. It uses parallel structure in conjunction with opposing or unrelated words. As this origin suggests, oxymoron is itself an oxymoron; it is a rhetorical term that describes words or phrases that, when placed together, create paradoxes or . Men have long been silent and stoic about their inner lives, but theres every reason for them to open up emotionallyand their partners are helping. 60 Easy Oxymoron Examples + Analysis - PrepScholar It causes the reader to really think about the nature of equality. First, they make life more enjoyable. Make a point of coming back to it in your editing process, taking the time to find where your writing slumps and could use a kick in the phrasing. Oxymorons can help us express our thoughts and feelings more clearly. An example of a paradox in literature is from George Orwell's Animal Farm. Oxymorons in Romeo and Juliet: Examples and Purpose Browse Library, Teacher Memberships Examples of Oxymorons | YourDictionary Today well focus on how to choose friends who enrich our lives and make them more beautiful.