Meaning & Definition of Oxymoron in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A rhetorical device in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

  Example Sentence: The phrase 'deafening silence' is a classic example of an oxymoron.

• Definition: A seemingly self-contradictory statement that may nonetheless suggest a truth.

  Example Sentence: The 'jumbo shrimp' is often cited as an oxymoron.

• Definition: A combination of contradictory or incongruent words or concepts that reveals a deeper meaning.

  Example Sentence: The oxymoron 'bittersweet' captures the complexity of love and loss.

Etymology

Origin: From Greek oxumōron, a combination of oxus (sharp) and mōros (foolish).

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• bittersweet: A feeling that is both happy and sad.
• deafening silence: A silence that is almost loud, emphasizing absence or tension.
• jumbo shrimp: A humorous example of an oxymoron referring to something that is large and small at the same time.

Translations

• Spanish: oxímoron

• French: oxymore

• German: Oxymoron

• Russian: оксюморон

Related Words

• paradox: A statement that contradicts itself but might still be true.

• contradiction: A combination of statements that cannot both be true at the same time.

• incongruity: The state of being incongruous or out of place.

Slang Meanings of oxymoron

• Meaning: A humorous way of highlighting contradictions in everyday language.

  Example Sentence: When someone says 'seriously funny,' they're using an oxymoron for comedic effect.

• Meaning: Used to describe situations that are ironic or contradictory.

  Example Sentence: Calling a bad movie a 'classic failure' is an oxymoron.