This is widely used in the English language, be it for ordinary speech or written literature. An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other. With that being said, here are some examples of oxymoron in sentences: Oxymoron plays a significant part in written and spoken English for a number of reasons. How can something invisible appear when in fact, it shouldn’t even be seen? Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis. Chaos is far from being controlled, and a mess is anything but organized. The examples above may seem logical if they were used in their proper context but as these phrases stand on their own, they are bound to leave us in a sea of questions. This helps spice up everyday conversations by adding a touch of wit and humor to it. An oxymoron term is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, phrases, terms or ideas In this famous play, you can find several oxymoron examples. Saying that a picture or a scene is "painfully beautiful" calls attention to the speaker and the object of inquiry. You may also see self-introduction Speech. For starters, it challenges a reader in understanding speeches, poems, prose, and other forms of literature that consist of terms and phrases that seemingly oppose each other, but upon closer inspection, make perfect sense. An excerpt from Pope’s poem wittily describes a person who is fond of reading, yet learns nothing from it. An oxymoron is a figurative language that joins together two opposing elements to form a sensible idea. (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). My play was a complete success. While some lines consist of contracting words that are placed beside one another, other examples show how oxymora may also be applied to a statement (such as “misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms”). 100 Examples of Oxymorons Like other kinds of figurative language , oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. This helps the author communicate emotions that are difficult to profess in simple terms. - Oscar Wilde, "And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true." Although the concept of oxymoron can be difficult to comprehend at first, you’d be surprised to know how common it is applied in everyday speech. He is the only honest thief." - Henry Ford, "I am a deeply superficial person." You must be wondering, how can something so different be the same? One example of this is when Oscar Wilde comically reflected on the fact that he "can resist anything, except temptation.". And, because the overall theme of Romeo and Juliet centers on tragic love, the very relationship shared by the lead characters is an oxymoron in itself.You may also see Presentation Speech. 100,000+ Designs, Documents Templates in PDF, Word, Excel, PSD, Google Docs, PowerPoint, InDesign, Apple Pages, Google Sheets, Publisher, Apple Numbers, Illustrator, Keynote. When someone says a phrase such as "naturally weird" or "clearly confused," the speaker is finding a new way to describe that individual or object. Oxymoron: a combination of contradictory words. So you can see that oxymorons add humor or drama to speech or writing, allowing you to make a funny or pointed remark. - Winston Churchill, "I like humanity, but I loathe persons." May they inspire you through all your writing adventures. But regardless of its usage, there’s no denying how oxymoron can add a sense of humor to even the most serious pieces. Shakespeare is known for using oxymoron in his writings. For more oxymoron quotes, take a look at Examples of Funny Oxymoron Quotes. Oxymoron can also serve as a means of elevated language when used to express a sense of irony. As well as playing with oxymorons, Oscar Wilde was also a master of symbolism. Is it possible for something nice to be awful at the same time? For example, oxymoron phrases such as marital bliss, military intelligence, and business ethics, depending on how they are used as figures of speech, can be effective literary devices to indicate irony. It is clear that oxymoron is a powerful literary device used to add drama and appeal to speech and writing. It's likely you've used, or at least heard, a couple oxymorons in your everyday life, even if you didn't realize it at the time. It's often referred to as a contradiction in terms. To further understand how oxymoron functions in poetry and literature, let us study the following examples: Example 1 “Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still, But used as a single phrase it conveys a different meaning. Many authors incorporate oxymoron into their writing to emphasize the dual nature of a particular idea or concept. An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). - Andy Warhol, "We're busy doing nothing." What fray was here?Yet tell me not, for I have heard it all.Here’s much to do with hate but more with love.Why then, O brawling love, O loving hate,O anything of nothing first created!O heavy lightness, serious vanity,Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms!Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health,Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is!This love feel I, that feel no love in this.”, — Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. When you're ready to graduate from oxymorons to symbolism, enjoy these examples of symbolism in literature. - Charles Lamb, "I can believe anything, provided that it is quite incredible." To further understand how oxymoron functions in poetry and literature, let us study the following examples: “Alas, that love, whose view is muffled still,Should, without eyes, see pathways to his will!Where shall we dine?—O me! Bringing them together into one phrase produces a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. -, We got into a fight, so she stormed out and left me, I can’t think straight because I’m going through a, I didn’t think Avocado ice cream would be, With summer just around the corner, I’m sticking to my. Can a baby be relatively “big” in size? are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means. The peculiar combination of contradicting elements can either confuse a person or give them something to laugh about. Here, oxymoron functions to illustrate the conflicting dualities of love and the extremes that one may experience when in love. Check out the oxymoron definition. Let's see if any of these examples of oxymorons hit home for you: Act naturally Alone together Bittersweet Seeing these oxymorons used in context may provide a better idea of how and why they're used. It's always too crowded." It helps turn an otherwise dull piece into something that is worth reading through the application of subtle humor. © 2001 - 2020 Oxymoron.info - All rights reserved. Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? You may also see speech examples. This allows a speaker or writer to perfectly describe or express a given sentiment by using opposites. You may also see Appreciation Speech. 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 that combines two seemingly contradictory or opposite ideas to create a certain rhetorical or poetic effect and reveal a deeper truth. Wodehouse. One oxymoron example is "deafening silence," which describes a silence that is so overpowering it almost feels deafening, or extremely loud—just as an actual sound would. Although most oxymoron examples are only two words in length, there are instances where the oxymoron may consist of two contradictory phrases or clauses.You may also see Special Occasion Speech. Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. Oxymora add flavor to our words by incorporating a comical twist that listeners and readers are sure to catch. This causes a reader to think deeply about the message the writer is trying to get across. Oxymorons are often used in … - Edna St. Vincent Millay, "I generally advise persons never ever to present assistance." - Alfred Tennyson, "Modern dancing is so old fashioned." But due to how natural these phrases are to you, you may not have noticed how often they are used. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. While oxymorons simply express the creative mind of an author, it is sometimes used to create a comedic effect in writing as well. Despite its witty nature, the oxymoron is an integral part of every language, whether it is written or spoken.You may also see orientation speech. Sometimes they're used to create a little bit of drama for the reader; sometimes they're used to make a person stop and think, whether that's to laugh or to wonder. Among the many literary devices to ever exist, lies a figurative language that’s seemingly illogical in form.

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