Oxymoron: Definition, Meaning, Examples, List of Popular Oxymorons

Oxymoron in English is a literary device where two opposite words are paired together to form an unusual yet meaningful expression. These may come off as illogical at first however, oxymorons usually carry a deeper meaning. It also adds a touch of irony and wit and is a figure of speech.

Examples of Oxymoron

Cambridge dictionary defines an oxymoron as “two phrases used together that have, or seem to have, opposite meanings.”

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines oxymoron as “a combination of contradictory words.”

Pronunciation: /ˌɑk·sɪˈmɔr·ɑn, -ˈmoʊr-/

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We often use oxymoron in everyday life without even realising. Let us take a look at the following table to learn about some examples of oxymoron in English:

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Oxymoron is a beloved literary tool amongst poets and writers alike. Not only classical poets but also modern-day lyricists and screenwriters use oxymorons create engaging and memorable phrases by mixing wit, irony, or humour. From Shakespeare to lyrics of modern pop songs, oxymorons enrich language and overall emotions. Look at some popular oxymorons used in classic literature and pop culture:

1. William Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet: “O loving hate, O heavy lightness”
2. John Milton in Paradise Lost: “Darkness Visible”
3. S Eliot in The Hollow Men: “Shape without form, shade without colour”

Brands, singers, and directors use oxymoron all the time, while naming or branding stuff. Let’s have a look at some popular oxymoron examples in pop culture:

Movie/ Drama titles using oxymoron:

• Live Free or Die Hard
• True Lies
• Back to the Future
• Crash Landing on You
• It’s Okay not to be Okay

Song lyrics using oxymoron:      

• Beautiful Disaster – Kelly Clarksona
• Alone Together – Fall Out Boy

Look at how to use oxymorons effectively in writing without making it seem out of place:

Understand the Tone: You need to think of the irony, humour, and tone of the sentence before using oxymoron since it can impact how the reader perceives it.

E.g: 

#1: Kapil’s serious joke made everyone introspect instead of laughing.

The use of a serious joke highlights the fact that though Kapil joked, it had an underlying seriousness that made everyone think deeply instead of simply laughing.

#2: Rhea found herself in a state of peaceful chaos after she adopted a puppy.

Avoid Stuffing of Oxymoron: As it can make it feel tacky, forced, and confusing. Remember to think of it as a seasoning that needs to be sprinkled very carefully across your content to make it come off natural.

Overuse of oxymoron: Jane was awfully good at hiding her bittersweet emotions when in midst of a small crowd, all the while cracking seriously funny jokes. Watching her act so naturally left me clearly confused.

This sentence has too many oxymorons. Instead, this can be written as: Jane was remarkably good at hiding her bittersweet emotions while blending into the crowd, all the while cracking clever jokes. Watching her act so naturally left me genuinely puzzled.

Oxymoron and paradox often get mixed and used interchangeably as synonyms or substitutes. However, there is a difference between the concepts. An oxymoron is usually a two-word phrase that clubs two contradictory terms. Whereas, a paradox is a longer statement that may appear contradictory at first but reveals a deeper truth. Check out the image below to know about the key differences between paradox and oxymoron:

Difference between oxymoron and paradox

Books can be the best resources when it comes to learn something. This is especially true in the case of enhancing vocabulary. Take a look at the following table to know about the best books to learn oxymoron in English:

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