Privacy | Terms of Service, Endpaper from Journeys Through Bookland, Charles Sylvester, 1922, ""crush the sweet poison of misused wine"". Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. Yet, the depth and meaning of friendship certainly go beyond the simple and the common. When shes not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Now that we know the definition of oxymoron, let's take a look at some examples. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. How Blame and Shame Can Fuel Depression in Rape Victims, Getting More Hugs Is Linked to Fewer Symptoms of Depression, Interacting With Outgroup Members Reduces Prejudice, Practice Improves the Potential for Future Plasticity, How Financial Infidelity Can Affect Your Gray Divorce. Writers and poets have used it for centuries as a literary device to describe life's inherent conflicts and incongruities. Yet, the depth and meaning of friendship certainly go beyond the simple and the common. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory words with opposing meanings, like "old news," "deafening silence," or "organized chaos.". Therefore, Salinger cleverly calls into question Holdens reliability as a narrator through just this figure of speech. Technically, one cannot be deep and superficial, as these words are opposites. However, its important that writers dont overuse oxymoron as a literary device. parting is such sweet sorrow. Oxymoron is used frequently in literature because it can serve so many functions. Antithesis isn't just one phrase. 2012-2023 Smart Blogger Boost Blog Traffic, Inc. People say I'm half-boy, half-girl. Ready to read some of the best oxymoron examples out there? Having solid friendships is important for two main reasons. She decides to go to Harvard Law School because she wants to win her boyfriend back. Not everyone realizes how powerful words can be. Here are 67 examples that we think youll, Modern pop culture works hard to attract the attention of the targeted viewer or, In fact, many modern authors are coming up with their own as well, for, These examples might help you use oxymorons to good effect in your, And where did this insane notion of buying loyalty come from? marekuliasz / iStock / Getty Images Plus. Try the Clich Report with a free ProWritingAid account. I've been saying in the press that being a NY Post investigator reporter is an oxymoron. 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. show CatDog. Paradox A statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. And I have a really great agent and I know it's almost an oxymoron to say you have a smart agent. 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. "Deafening silence" indicates a quiet situation that is uncomfortably noticeable or disturbing. Two things that can greatly improve our lives are engaging in the here and now and seeing life as play rather than work. 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. 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. It can be used for serious poignancy or for humor. Add a great title, like an oxymoron that represents the poetry of the lyrics, and you have a song thats a beloved classic for years to come. Before you lash out, learn how to de-identify and maintain your perspective. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. "100 Awfully Good Examples of Oxymorons." Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression: insertListLink('', 2, 2, 'shortexamples'). One of the most famous examples of a paradox is thesentence, "This statement is false." Improve your self-confidence and self-worth. Here are some of the more famous oxymoron examples from historical literature: With loads of learned lumber in his head . To be loyal to King Arthur, his friend, he must betray his love Guinevere, or vice versa. Love and Friendship When Freak. I ended up finding a local hiking group with the hopes of meeting people with similar interests. In Emersons letter to a hypothetical friend, he signs off Thine ever, or never. Friendship, according to Emerson, is always a process of dichotomythe feeling of being, in other words, yours or not yours. Brilliant idiot may be available in a tweet. Self-determination theory says that we have three psychological needs for optimal well-being: relatedness, competence, and autonomy. Their dramatic effect is much more powerful with sparing use. As rhetorical devices, oxymorons have been used in many different mediums from political speeches to novels to stage plays. Afterward, he writes an entire book, just to memorialize his friend and tell their story. 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. If this statement is indeed false as it says, then this would actually make it true. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, O brawling love! Deafening silence. tragic comedy unbiased opinion only choice virtual reality definite maybe original copies 16. Science fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction are all oxymoronic. The phrase terrific liar pairs two words that have opposing connotations. They can enhance writing and communication in a variety of ways, including by adding dramatic effect. All rights reserved. Which murders your poem with a harsh bite. Why use phrases that don't seem to make logical sense? Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health! As long as you remain dependent on others for approval, happiness is fleeting. He gave me a. Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is! That I shall say good night till it be morrow. Now that weve gone over what an oxymoron is, lets take a closer look at four famous oxymoron examples in sentences to better understand how this literary device actually works. . 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. For example, oxymoron phrases such as marital bliss, military intelligence,andbusiness ethics,depending on how they are used as figures of speech, can be effective literary devices to indicate irony. An oxymoron is a figure of speech, usually one or two words, in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side. Use the above examples where they fit or as models for creating your own unique oxymorons. Whether in writing or speech, using words with oxymoronic meaning can lend a sense of humor, irony, or sarcasm. The phrasedaily night certainly features contrary wording. The supporting, loving part of our relationship wasnt there anymore, so it was no longer worth putting energy into maintaining a friendship that had changed so much. ", In Animal Farm, George Orwell uses an oxymoron in the midst of a paradox: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.". The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. When used well, your reader or listener will at least smile if not laugh out loud. But avoid cliques like bittersweet. An oxymoron is a type of juxtaposition, just shorter and focused on two contradictory concepts. Oxymorons also feature in modern comedy and politics. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, our in-depth guide to the 31 literary devices you must know. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are certainly more than just a few. It's likely you've used, or at least heard, a few oxymorons in your everyday life, even if you didn't realize it at the time. It is not an oxymoron I assure you. A paradox is when two contrasting ideas are put together for the purposes of creating a comparison. 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. The question then arises: why do we have the kind of chemistry encapsulated by the word kenzoku with only a few people we know and not scores of others? Unfortunately, the people I had dedicated time to thus far were achievement-oriented and were pouring their time into work and not our friendships. A toxic friendship can seem like an oxymoron - a friendship is supposed to enrich your life, while anything that is toxic is a source of unhealthiness and unhappiness. In 1997, a writer and web developer named Paul Ford walked into a sushi restaurant in midtown Manhattan to meet a group of strangers. However, with applied thought, paradoxes make sense. Shakespeare was a master of using oxymoron in his plays and poems. And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true. Placing contrasting words next to each other makes each one stand out more, just like placing contrasting colors together. ""crush the sweet poison of misused wine"" I can resist anything but temptation. ", Oxymorons have been used since the days of the ancient Greek poets. Why Is Emotional Splitting So Hard to Deal With? What are some examples of oxymorons in literature? Juxtaposition is about placing two things side by side to bring out their differences; its about comparing situations, ideas, emotions, characters, settings, and events. From William Shakespeare to Fall Out Boy, you can see just how versatile oxymoron is as a literary device. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC, Source: Photo by Antonino Visalli on Unsplash. An oxymoron is a common rhetorical device that combines two or more words with contradictory meanings into a single phrase. This way youll have the opportunity to connect with people who have similar interests. For some real-world examples of oxymorons in writing, review a few lines from literature and songs. A studyfound that women who had more than 10 sexual partners prior to marriage showed an increase in divorce rates. You might use an oxymoron to highlight irony, but irony isn't specifically related to a combination of words. up next, we take a look at oxymoron examples in sentences from literature and pop culture. Love Friendship Cute Friendship Best Friend Caring Being There For Someone Great Friendship Republican Drinking Therapy Heart Touching Value True Friend Prosperity Heart Touching Being There Support Friends Love Show more QUOTES I've been saying in the press that being a NY Post investigator reporter is an oxymoron. Oxymoron examples in pop culture. It plays with readers' expectations to demonstrate themes or build tension. It illustrates his dilemma in the story. Funny oxymorons often come from sarcastic or cynical contradictions. Friendships are a crucial part of living a fulfilling life. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. How Blame and Shame Can Fuel Depression in Rape Victims, Getting More Hugs Is Linked to Fewer Symptoms of Depression, Interacting With Outgroup Members Reduces Prejudice, Practice Improves the Potential for Future Plasticity, How Financial Infidelity Can Affect Your Gray Divorce, Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss and Other Benefits, 4 Reasons Why Infidelity Happens Even in Happy Relationships, Why 'Raising' Your Partner Can End in Relationship Burnout, How Automatic Thoughts Can Hurt a Relationship. As you can see, there are tons of oxymorons in our lexicon. Friendship makes life more enjoyable and enriches one's everyday experiences. Terrific has positive connotations, as in wonderful or extraordinarily great. In this poem, Auden utilizes the oxymoron juicy bone. Of course, a bone is generally considered dry and the opposite of juicy. We get to share the beautiful aspects of life with people who we love, which can enrich our everyday experiences. 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. Some of the stories might even be old news! Social distance may spur feelings of sexual nostalgia for previous partners. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. s.. and older women used to be considered an oxymoron, rarely mentioned in the same breath. Take action. Even if you're a wise fool you can show real potential. Countries engage in civil war or fight holy wars to defend those with blue blood. However, it's easily confused with other devices that involve contrast or contradiction. What's the Difference Between Oxymoron and Antithesis? The reader must momentarily pause to comprehend and process the meaningin other words, oxymorons make the reader think. Like a paradox, an oxymoron is whats known as a contradiction in terms, although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/awfully-good-examples-of-oxymorons-1691814. - Contact Us - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions, Definition and Examples of Literary Terms, Little Bighorn Battlefield (national monument in Montana), CatDog (American animated television series), Big Little Lies (book by Liane Moriarty, adapted into television series for HBO), Quotes from a Devout Atheist (compilation book of Richard Dawkins quotes), Waking Dream (American documentary film), You cant have more types of fake news than real news. (Elon Musk), Im nobody! Whether in, The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. So, where do we find friends? There are oxymorons throughout the alphabet, from "a" to "z." William Shakespeare uses antithesis in this quote from Hamlet: "Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice; take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment.". Is it starting to seem like there is an unlimited supply of oxymorons in the English language? 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 . The juicy bone is a contrast in its own phrasing, as well as a contrasting image with the coffin and the implied corpses bones inside. They may be family members, a mother, a brother, a daughter, a cousin. Oxymorons are cynical and fun. Professor Raymond Malewitz answers these questions using examples from William Shake. For example, just pairing any two words that are contradictory wont make for an effective oxymoron. Four things stop angry partners from changing: victim identity, conditioned blame, temporary narcissism, and negative attributions. One day, love and friendship met. We all tend to attract people into our lives whose character mirrors our own. Like anything in life that is valuable to us, we must work at it and put time and effort into it. This presents the word silence in a unique way thats particularly expressive. We already gave an oxymoron definition above, so here lets talk about paradoxes. Oxymorons can be clearly confusing (see what we did there? Theoxymorons here point toLancelot's contradictory existence in regard to his relationships with both Guinevere and King Arthur: Lancelot isa "faithful" and "honorable" lover to Guinevere yet also an "unfaithful" and "dishonorable" knight to King Arthur, Guineveres husband, whom he is essentially betraying by carrying out a love affair with the queen. While they can be effective if used intentionally, clichs can make your writing feel stale and unimaginative. Know what to expect. 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. These lines come from the hit 2013 song "All of Me" recorded by John Legend. And because oxymorons provoke curiosity and interest, they make great titles for books, movies, and television. This presents the word. A defense of online intimacy. Guilt is a feeling that you've done (or thought) something wrong and a need to improve things. Responsible Drinking? A common oxymoron example is "bittersweet"the two root words, bitter and sweet, are inherently contradictory. The most common type of oxymoron is an adjective followed by a noun. Oxymoron: A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined. An example of dramatic irony comes from the play Oedipus Rex. in a unique way thats particularly expressive. Take this sentence, for example: There are two oxymorons in this sentence: "minor crisis" and "only choice." The pairing of contradictory terms grabs attention, generates surprise, and creates an impression. A podcast where we show you how to stand out in a world where people are already inundated with content. For example, if a character is described as a man child, this oxymoron calls up a humorous image of a child that looks like a man or vice-versa. Jack London, The Call of the Wild, All the pain he had endured was as nothing compared with the exquisite agony of this., The bookful blockhead, ignorantly read, Through the phrase terrific liar, Holden is admitting that he is both a deceptive person and that hes extraordinarily great at being so. Despite the similarities, however, oxymorons and paradoxes are two different types of literary devices, each with their own special usage. A man may have authority over others, but he can never have their hearts but by giving his own. In this poem, Lord Byron uses the oxymoron melancholy merriment to describe the feelings and connections between sadness and joy. Saying that a picture or a scene is "painfully beautiful" calls attention to the speaker and the object of inquiry. Write with Grammarly. Without, or with, offence to friends or foes. In contrast, an oxymoron is a description thats enjoyed in the moment and then forgotten as the reader or listener moves on. As a literary device, it is used to make certain word combinations more thought-provoking to stand out. If were dating someone and theyre a jerk, its probably safe to assume that theyre not a good friend. What is an oxymoron? With loads of learned lumber in his head . Oxymorons are a great way to evoke emotion, reveal a paradox, confuse the reader, or add humor to your writing. This excerpt from Irish poet William Butler Yeats famous poem "Easter 1916" has the prominent oxymoron "terrible beauty," which is repeated again at the end of the poem. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Consider the oxymoron example deafening silence. The Cambridge Dictionary defines an oxymoron as "two . How true are your interpretations of your partner's behavior? The following passages highlight what others have said about friendship in the past. A grammar checker, style editor, and writing mentor in one package. Oxymoron can also serve as a means of elevated language when used to express a sense of irony. But when you find these people, these kenzoku, they're like priceless gems. What's the Difference Between Oxymoron and Paradox? By that measure, no crisis is unimportant or minor. The word oxymoron is quite literally an oxymoron! Oxymorons are often used in literature. Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. Act naturally. Oxymoron Quotes. This one is easy, at least on paper: become a true friend yourself. Join social clubs organized around activities you enjoy. Below, we provide you with an extensive list of oxymorons. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. A new study sheds light on this contentious issue. and Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true. The closer we look for the answer the more elusive it becomes. Love asked, 'Why do you exist when I already exist?' You don't have to make yourself into what you think others would find attractive. Highlighting their differences accentuates their meaning and the words come across stronger. 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. We became instant friends. Sacrifice means giving up ones immediate preferences and goals for the good of ones relationship or partners well-being and happiness. If you find yourself in the market for friends (who isnt?) your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write. Find full texts with expert analysis in our extensive library. For example, sorority girl lawyer might be an oxymoron that summarizes the plot of Legally Blond. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. The tricky part is that it will take two people to fix that issue. Oxymorons are an excellent, thought-provoking tool to use in writing, but they're certainly not the only device you should work with. Like other kinds of figurative language, oxymorons (or oxymora) are often found in literature. Lord Byron, Don Juan: Canto VIII, His honour rooted in dishonour stood, This contradiction is also known as a paradox. One Personality Trait Predicts Longevity More Than OthersBut Why? Oxymorons aren't just for classic literature. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound. William Shakespeare was known to sprinkle them throughout his plays, poems, and sonnets. You may already have beautiful friendships in your life, but if youre still in the market for friends, its never too late to cultivate new relationships that will make your life even more magnificent. However, the terms are also complementary as a pair. You mightve heard of another literary device called the paradox, which is similar but not identical to the oxymoron. Finding friends can be challenging but can be often achieved by approaching others with mutual interests. "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Irony is the difference between what a reader thinks should happen in a situation versus what is actually happening. . For even more examples of oxymorons in sentences, take a look at these examples of funny oxymoron quotes. On the nightly news, you might hear about an escaped prisoner or a controversy with a foreign national. All Rights Reserved. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. 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. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Lancelot and Elaine" inIdylls of the King. Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. 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. Here's the famous quote about Lancelot: "His honour rooted in dishonour stood, And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true.". See in text("Friendship"). 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. Men have long been silent and stoic about their inner lives, but theres every reason for them to open up emotionallyand their partners are helping. The best way to make money is to spend money. Slow and steady wins the race. Who are you? Like a paradox, an oxymoron is whats known as a contradiction in terms, although oxymorons and paradoxes are two different things, as explained below. Keep reading for some more modern examples. (One, in particular, is in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, wherein combining things that contrast is an ongoing theme.) Their parents probably preferred Simon and Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence" or the Beatles' "Hard Day's Night". Here is the largest collection of the Oxymorons related to Relationships. by William Shakespeare, wherein combining things that contrast is an ongoing theme.) Despite what it might sound like, noan oxymoron isnt something you can call your little brother when hes bugging you. Nordquist, Richard. Read literally, they contradict themselves. Such a phrase shows that an object can have two different qualities at once, making it a subject for study and analysis. The politician gave his deceptively honest opinion. Oxymorons present an ideal opportunity to be clever or funny. The most beautiful part about pouring our time and energy into friendships is that not only do friends help enrich our lives, but we enrich theirs too! Definitely, Maybe: 2008 film. Modern pop culture works hard to attract the attention of the targeted viewer or reader in todays flood of advertising. The scope of oxymorons, however, is limited only to the scope of the individual words used. This next oxymoron example is about Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot's tragic love affair. Robert Puff, Ph.D., is host and producer of the Happiness Podcast, with over 16 million downloads. The word oxymoron is an ancient Greek word, which translates most closely to something like sharply dull or cleverly stupid. In other words, the oxymoron definition is itself an oxymoron. But, towards the end of school, they became very busy and were no longer able to dedicate time to hang out anymore. Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via : Subscribe for writing hacks, special offers and free stuff, 2023 - Orpheus Technology, prowritingaid.com. What are Phonemes, Graphemes, and Digraphs? If something is original,then it is not a copy. When I first moved to California for my Ph.D., I didnt have any friends out here. They appear in literature and pop culture, and you probably use them all the time in your day-to-day life. As a result, I learned how important it was to carve out time in my life for friends. 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.
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