ctions of
s an d fun
Type ron
O xy m o
Oxymoron
e purp o se of
What is th
s?
oxymoron
What is an oxymoron?
An oxymoron is a literary device that juxtaposes
contradictory terms.
The word oxymoron is an ancient Greek word,
which translates most closely to something
like “sharply dull” or “cleverly stupid.”
Oxymoron has one main structural model:
adjeсtive + noun.
SWEET PAIN ADJEСTIVE +
It is in this structural model that the
NOUN
resistance of the two component parts to
fusion into one unit manifests itself most
strongly.
PRETTY UGLY Adjective +
adjective
Types and examples of
Oxymoron
VERB + PREPOSITION TO RUN INTO
+ NOUN TROUBLE
e s a n d TO WHISPER
T y p VERB + ADVERB
LOUDLY
le s of
ex am p
m or o n
Ox y
NOUN + PREPOSITION VICTORY IN
+ NOUN DEFEAT
THE BITTERSWEET
EXTENDED WORD- TASTE OF NOSTALGIA
COMBINATION LINGERS IN THE
PRESENT MOMENT
The Purpose of
Oxymorons
For Rhetorical Impact and Emphasis.
1 They catch our attention by creating unexpected and striking word
combinations.
For example:
Cruel kindness
Sweet sorrow
Living dead
For Humor and Wit.
Well-crafted oxymorons add a playful and light-hearted touch to
2
language, bringing entertainment and joy to everyday speech and
written works.
For example:
Clearly confused
Seriously funny
Jumbo shrimp
The Purpose of
Oxymorons
The Purpose of
Oxymorons
For Creating Vivid Imagery and Contrast.
3 Another function of oxymorons is to create vivid imagery by juxtaposing
contrasting elements.
For example:
Freezing hot
Awfully good
Open secret
For Conveying Complex Emotions and Paradoxes.
4 They capture the essence of experiences that seem contradictory or
defy conventional logic.
For example:
The bittersweet nature of love,
The tumultuous calmness of a storm,
The painful beauty of nostalgic memory
The Purpose of
Oxymorons
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