Have you ever seen a movie, walked out, and said, “That was awfully good?” Ever said something was your “only choice,” or that your homework was “completely unfinished”? Believe it or not, you’ve already used oxymorons in your everyday life, and maybe you didn’t even know it! Read on to learn more about examples of oxymorons, from daily life to oxymoron examples in Romeo and Juliet!
What is the example of oxymoron
First, let’s define oxymoron
Oxymorons are one of the most common literary devices out there. You might even use them daily, and have no idea! So what is an oxymoron, and what are examples of oxymorons?
OXYMORON DEFINITION
What is an oxymoron?
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that uses two totally contradictory words. While it may seem to make no sense, oxymorons can be super effective in making your writing funny, interesting, or even ironic. What is an oxymoron example? A phrase like “jumbo shrimp” is often cited as an example of oxymoron, since the two words are opposites, with their meanings contradicting each other.
Oxymorons are a great way to describe something with a bit of playfulness and fun, and use new, interesting language to make the reader stop and think. They’re amusing and clever, and can help make your writing not only more descriptive, but also more fun to read!
Did You Know?
The word oxymoron is itself an example of an oxymoron! It is derived from the Greek word oksus, which means sharp, keen, or pointed, combined with the word moros, which means dull, stupid, foolish. Literally, an oxymoron means "sharp dullness," making the word itself an oxymoron too!
[Examples of oxymoron in everyday speech]
What are oxymoron examples?
In everyday speech, oxymorons are very common. In fact, there are probably dozens of oxymorons you use on a daily basis. Here are some oxymoron examples commonly used in regular conversation:
- A small crowd
- Virtual reality
- Seriously funny
- Same difference
- Jumbo shrimp
- Close distance
- Only choice
- Original copy
- Accurate estimate
Notice how in each of these oxymoron examples, the two words have opposite definitions of each other. However, by combining them, you can create a fun, new meaning to describe something.
Oxymorons are common in many other forms of writing, from literature to poetry and song lyrics. They’re a popular tool for writers because they make a reader pause and reflect on the words, and can provide a comic effect that entertains the reader.
Read below to see some oxymoron examples in each of these areas from famous writers of literature, poetry, and song.
Oxymoron examples in literature:
- Shakespeare commonly used oxymorons in his work. In Romeo & Juliet, he writes: “O heavy lightness! Serious vanity!” and “O brawling love! O loving hate!”
- In “Don Juan,” the author Byron uses the words “melancholy merriment.”
- In George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” he describes which animals are worth saving using the words “more equal.”
- Many book titles use oxymorons, such as “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty or “Open Secrets” by Alice Munro.
Oxymoron examples in poetry
- In “Essays of Criticism” by Alexander Pope, he writes: “The bookful blockhead ignorantly read.”
- In “Paradise Lost” by John Milton, he refers to hell as “darkness visible.”
- In “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman, he writes the words “same contrast.”
Oxymoron examples in song lyrics:
- “Sounds of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel.
- “Definite Maybe” by the Kinks.
- “Alone Together” by Chet Baker.
What are oxymoron examples
How to use oxymorons
Oxymorons can be a great way to add lightness or wittiness to your writing. They make a reader pause and think about what they’ve read, and the result can elicit a laugh or a smile, and make the overall piece feel more engaging for the reader.
A funny song explaining how oxymorons work
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The difference between paradox and oxymoron
Oxymorons can be a highly effective literary tool for writers who want their work to really sing. However, oxymorons can sometimes be confused with other types of literary devices, like paradoxes. Read our article about paradoxes to understand the difference.
