Can you give me an example of an oxymoron?
The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. 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.
What is oxymoronic expression?
An oxymoron (usual plural oxymorons, more rarely oxymora) is a figure of speech that juxtaposes concepts with opposing meanings within a word or phrase that creates an ostensible self-contradiction. An oxymoron can be used as a rhetorical device to illustrate a rhetorical point or to reveal a paradox.
What are some good oxymorons?
Here are 10 examples of popular oxymorons:
- “Small crowd”
- “Old news”
- “Open secret”
- “Living dead”
- “Deafening silence”
- “Only choice”
- “Pretty ugly”
- “Awfully good”
What is a good oxymoron?
Why is litotes important?
Litotes is a common device used in rhetoric. This is primarily because it prompts a listener or reader to carefully consider what is being said. Litotes also allows the speaker or writer to effectively communicate in an atypical way.
Why are litotes used?
Litotes, by definition, are figures of speech that create an understatement by using double negatives. Litotes intentionally use understatements to create an ironic effect. They’re also double negative statements since they confirm one idea by negating the opposite.
Which is the best definition of the word oxymoron?
Definition of oxymoron : 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 Other Words from oxymoron Frequently Asked Questions About oxymoron Example Sentences Learn More About oxymoron Other Words from oxymoron
Is it good to use Oxymorons in writing?
Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they’re certainly not the only device you should work with. Learn all about effective imagery and what personification is with our expert guides. Preparing to take the AP Literature test?
When to use daily night as an oxymoron?
The phrase daily night certainly features contrary wording. However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldn’t be used as a proper oxymoron. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader.
Do You Call Your Little Brother an oxymoron?
Despite what it might sound like, no—an oxymoron isn’t something you can call your little brother when he’s bugging you. Rather, an oxymoron is a cool literary device you can use in your creative writing. We’ll go over exactly what an oxymoron is and then show you four oxymoron examples from pop culture and literature.
