These lines come from the hit 2013 song "All of Me" recorded by John Legend. For example, sorority girl lawyer might be an oxymoron that summarizes the plot of Legally Blond. Friendship makes life more enjoyable and enriches one's everyday experiences. ), so this article explains everything you need to know. That makes oxymorons a serious option in word choice. Together, these words indicate that Holden takes pride in how adept he is at lyinga behavior that is generally associated with indignity. These are all examples of Oxymoron's, but what are they, and how can your students use them in their writing?I. The politician gave his deceptively honest opinion. There are many great oxymorons out there, and more are discovered and invented every day. Ask below and we'll reply! Not everyone realizes how powerful words can be. One Personality Trait Predicts Longevity More Than OthersBut Why? Oxymorons aren't just for classic literature. 'Feminist comedy,' practically an oxymoron, had a couple of good years after WWII. In this poem, Lord Byron uses the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections between sadness and joy. 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. There are some well-known phrases and quotations that make use of oxymorons. When used well, your, Oxymorons are a great way to evoke emotion, reveal a, As great a list as this might be, just reading this post and moving on wont make, Make a point of coming back to it in your editing process, taking the time to find where your. As well as playing with oxymorons, Oscar Wilde was also a master of symbolism. We see that two things that shouldn't exist together do, in fact . 100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons. In an allusion to line 47 of John Miltons Comus (1637), Emerson likens the joy of friendship to a sweet poison of misused wine. The oxymoron sweet poison speaks to Emersons perspective that although friendship can become rapturous, it can also become excessive. All Rights Reserved. While an oxymoron is the combination of two contradictory/opposite words in a single sentence, a paradox is an entire phrase/sentence that appears contradictory but, upon further investigation, could be true or plausible. Friendship is to be purchased only by friendship. Friends can also: Increase your sense of belonging and purpose. 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. Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. Here are some examples of oxymoron phrases in well-known literary works, along with how they add to interpretation: Good night, good night! Bittersweet. Robert Puff, Ph.D., is host and producer of the Happiness Podcast, with over 16 million downloads. that juxtaposes contradictory terms. This way youll have the opportunity to connect with people who have similar interests. Then check out our in-depth guide to the 31 literary devices you must know. tags: independent-thought , initiative , oxymoron , paradox. People say I'm half-boy, half-girl. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Your writing will connect with your readers emotions, youll keep their attention all the way through, and theyll come to the end wishing there was more. This famous quotation from Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet contains an equally famous oxymoron. Paul Fussell. Irony is the difference between what a reader thinks should happen in a situation versus what is actually happening. If something is original,then it is not a copy. Nordquist, Richard. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. But pairing it with deafening gives silence a very distinct meaning, comparing it to a loud noise that draws extra attention. William Shakespeare 's Romeo and Juliet includes several oxymorons that both elevate the play's language and foreshadow its tragic ending. This phrase demonstrates the various emotions one feels within a friendship: on one hand, it is pleasant and desirable; on the other, it creates a sense of agony and torture. and Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. Paired together, however, they create a deeper meaning. But many of us live with toxic friends, whether we realize or not, and find ourselves simply unable to get out of the relationship. The Japanese have a term, kenzoku, which translated literally means "family." This forced me to seek out other ways to form connections with people. And if youre putting your time and energy into someone who isnt enriching your life and giving you the support you need, it may be time to reevaluate that friendship. Why friends are so important Having solid friendships is important for two main reasons. There still seems to be an extra factor, an attraction similar to that which draws people together romantically, that cements friends together irrevocably, often immediately, for no reason either person can identify. If it is familiar, it may sound quite trite. They also occasionally work well with figurative language to compound the power behind certain words. Improve your self-confidence and self-worth. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that places contradictory terms next to each other in a word or phrase. This means that oxymoron is a figure of speech that includes just a couple of contradictory words that are paired together rather than a full statement of ideas. is an ancient Greek word, which translates most closely to something like sharply dull or cleverly. . Fun Fact: Oxymoron comes from the Greek word okss (meaning keen) and mros (meaning stupid). Sprinkle in a few to evoke a laugh, a sense of wonder, drama, playfulness, and more. She feels sadness knowing she must say good night to Romeo. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. Do All Romantic Relationships Require Some Sacrifice? | Oxymorons may seem illogical at first, but in context they usually make sense. The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. When my boyfriend gave me a definite maybe about going out this Friday night, that was the last straw. Thus, as the oxymoron suggests, this scene ishappy since Juliet and Romeo are in love, yet it's also sad because they must say goodbyeand cannot stay together through the night. Yes! Second, our friends help us through the difficult times. However, oxymorons themselves are not automatically clichs. As the example's author, Richard Watson Todd, said, "The true beauty of oxymorons is that, unless we sit back and really think, we happily accept them as normalEnglish. Thankfully, through the help of a very good therapist, I learned that it was important to enjoy life instead of striving for excellence all of the time. It may feel scary at first, but the reward outweighs the momentary uncomfortable feeling you may have. ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? Manage Settings I must refuse it in order to be worthy to receive it. A new study sheds light on this contentious issue. Yet, the depth and meaning of friendship certainly go beyond the simple and the common. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. On its own silence is fairly neutralit can be calm or tense, depending on the context. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. So, where do we find friends? 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. A good influence. 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. Sometimes people aren't trying to make a profound statement when they use oxymorons. Adjectives that Start with S: List of 500+ Words to Describe Someone, The Best Places to Find Free Grammar Help Online. It uses parallel structure in conjunction with opposing or unrelated words. An example of dramatic irony comes from the play Oedipus Rex. First, I have the privilege of being Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. They're like finding home. Both are contradictions, but the big difference between oxymoron and paradox is that a paradox is something you think about. One oxymoron example is "deafening silence," which describes a silence that is so overpowering it almost feels deafening, or extremely loudjust as an actual sound would. We get to share the beautiful aspects of life with people who we love, which can enrich our everyday experiences. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. Have you ever played on an Oculus Rift? True friendship is not measured in days or decades. She decides to go to Harvard Law School because she wants to win her boyfriend back. This oxymoron is symbolic of the human condition as reflected in the poets mention of our human lot. In addition, this oxymoron supports and complements the balance of oppositions featured in the rest of the poems structure, such as good and bad, without or with, and friends or foes. Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: With loads of learned lumber in his head . True friendship is seen through the heart, not through the eyes. It illustrates his dilemma in the story. Also, mastering, Both are contradictions, but the big difference between oxymoron and paradox is that a, is something you think about. Just try not to get freezer burn. beautiful one on earth. It can also be more situational. In short, an oxymoron is a versatile literary device. Time and distance do nothing to diminish the bond we have with these kinds of friends. A proposal for an entirely new paradigm for achieving happiness that endures. In fact, certain literary genres are oxymorons themselves. Browse Library, Teacher Memberships Privacy Policy. 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. Some people fall into yo-yo relationship patterns in which they repeatedly leave their partners only to expect reconciliation later. The scholarship instructions state that I should submit an, I asked Steve to go to the dance with me. The scope of a paradox can go much deeper, drawing on complicated themes and philosophical concepts. Add a great title, like an, New, old-fashioned way from Rockin Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee, Your eyes whispered have we met from Enchanted by Taylor Swift, I only wanna die alive from Break Free by Ariana Grande, Now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch from Along Comes Mary by the Association, When its cold outside, Ive got the month of May from My Girl by the Temptations, Funny oxymorons often come from sarcastic or cynical contradictions. This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. This one is easy, at least on paper: become a true friend yourself. Funny oxymorons often come from sarcastic or cynical contradictions. show CatDog. In Fairies and the Quest for Never Land, Gail Carson Levine describes the character Vidia as a "loyal traitor". (see what we did there? They are a versatile tool that sets your work apart from your competition and makes it more enjoyable and memorable by: Adding dramatic effect. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. There were quite a few people in my program that I enjoyed spending time with. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, A damned saint, an honorable villain! Together, these words mean a very realistic virtual world. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Which murders your poem with a harsh bite. Friendship is constant in all other things, Save in the office and affairs of love. Heres a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Because of this, an oxymoron is often referred to as a contradiction in terms. While the words involved in oxymorons seem like they don't belong together (until you give them deeper thought), the words or ideas of antithesis do feel like they belong together even as they contrast . Boost your happiness and reduce your stress. Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true but not literally true. Ready to read some of the best oxymoron examples out there? Three ways to respond when someone presents with an all-or-nothing attitude. Banksy, Wall and Piece. In speech, oxymorons can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. Comma Before "Except": When You Do and Don't Need One, List of 50 "In Conclusion" SynonymsWrite Better with ProWritingAid. A defense of online intimacy. Be careful though if you want to use one. The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. With the first oxymoron,"perfect imperfections," the speaker is making it clear that his lovers flaws are ultimately what make her the perfect partner for him. As great a list as this might be, just reading this post and moving on wont make the oxymoron magic happen in your writing. Juxtaposition is about placing two things side by side to bring out their differences; its about comparing situations, ideas, emotions, characters, settings, and events. I believe that the foundation for any healthy relationship is friendship. Feel free to look throughthis vast list of oxymoron examplesif youre in need of an oxymoron for something you're writing or if you simply want tolearn some of the most commonones. 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. In the below example, perhaps I could have said "aristocrats" or "high born", which both convey an identical meaning without being clichd. The main topic of this poem is the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, an event during whichnumerous Irish nationalists rebelled against the British government in Ireland. 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.". Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. In fact, theyre quite common in everyday speech across multiple languages, with new ones surfacing all the time often with humorous results. Sacrifice means giving up ones immediate preferences and goals for the good of ones relationship or partners well-being and happiness. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. The lyrics of this powerful piano ballad make use of several oxymorons. By definition, it is impossible for something to be more equal than another because equal means the same. There are several examples in Romeo and Juliet, like the following quotes. There are plenty of other oxymoron examples in pop culture. Oxymoron examples in pop culture. The word "oxymoron" is itself oxymoronic, which is to say contradictory. An oxymoron is a common rhetorical device that combines two or more words with contradictory meanings into a single phrase. The cop-show investigators well-chosen use of eloquent, A songs amazing melody may make it a fan-favorite. When used well, your reader or listener will at least smile if not laugh out loud. Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. If you're learning English as a second language, you might be confused by these figures of speech. Oxymoron Quotes. It plays with readers' expectations to demonstrate themes or build tension. The friendship between Nelson Mandela, while imprisoned for conspiring to overthrow South Africa's apartheid government, and a young, initially pro-apartheid, white prison guard captured the . The second part of the friendship discussion can be a difficult one reassessing your current friendships and potentially moving on from friends who dont add value to your life. As a literary device, it is used to make certain word combinations more thought-provoking to stand out. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. When I first moved to California for my Ph.D., I didnt have any friends out here. Consider these oxymoron examples: I am a deeply superficial person. Andy Warhol, I distinctly remember forgetting that. Clara Barton. Retributive and restorative justice in relationships. We just hope you were never an uninvited guest! Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true. Learn everything you need to know about grammar. O loving hate! An oxymoron is usually just two words (sometimes one, as in bittersweet), but a paradox is an entire statement, usually a standalone sentence or even a full, What is the difference between oxymoron and paradox?, 10 Tongue Twisters to Improve Pronunciation, A Guide to Greeting Words and Phrases, With Examples. Now that's an Oxymoron. I urge you to take stock of your friendships and ask yourself if your current friends people build you up and support you, or is the friendship more one-sided?
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