Oxymoron

Pronunciation: /ɑksɪmərɑn/

Definitions of oxymoron

noun a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction

Example Sentences

A1 An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms like 'jumbo shrimp'.

A2 She used the term 'deafening silence' as an example of an oxymoron in her English class.

B1 The phrase 'act naturally' is an example of an oxymoron because acting is not natural.

B2 In literature, authors often use oxymorons to create a sense of tension or irony in their writing.

C1 The poet used the oxymoron 'bittersweet' to describe the complex emotions of love.

C2 Shakespeare was known for his use of oxymorons to convey deeper meanings in his plays.

Examples of oxymoron in a Sentence

formal The term 'jumbo shrimp' is often considered an oxymoron in linguistics.

informal My sister said she's going on a 'working vacation' which sounds like an oxymoron to me.

slang I think 'act natural' is kind of an oxymoron, don't you?

figurative The phrase 'bittersweet ending' is an oxymoron that perfectly captures the complexity of the situation.

Grammatical Forms of oxymoron

• past tense: oxymoroned
• plural: oxymorons
• comparative: more oxymoronic
• superlative: most oxymoronic
• present tense: oxymoron
• future tense: will oxymoron
• perfect tense: have oxymoroned
• continuous tense: is oxymoroning
• singular: oxymoron
• positive degree: oxymoronic
• infinitive: to oxymoron
• gerund: oxymoroning
• participle: oxymoroned

Origin and Evolution of oxymoron

First Known Use: 1657 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'oxymoron' originated from the Greek words 'oxus' meaning sharp and 'moros' meaning foolish.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a figure of speech combining contradictory terms, the term 'oxymoron' has evolved to also refer to any contradictory or seemingly absurd phrase.