Words / C2

oks-i-MORR-on/ˌɒksɪˈmɔːrɒn/

An oxymoron is a phrase that joins contradictory terms (rhetoric): a famous oxymoron, “deafening silence”. Contradiction (already in the dictionary) is everyday and wider; paradox (already in the dictionary) is a seeming contradiction that may still be true — the classic mix-up. Do not dress a broken rule as a witty oxymoron.

Meaning

A phrase that joins two contradictory terms (rhetoric).

Examples

• ““Optional embargo” is an oxymoron, not a policy.”
• “Contradiction is everyday (already in the dictionary). A paradox may be true on a second look (already in C2). Irony is a different figure. “Bittersweet” is a textbook oxymoron. “Optional embargo” is a hole in the protocol. Name a yes or a no. Wordplay is not a waiver.”

Good to know

A contradiction in terms. Everyday: contradiction. Mix-up: paradox (may be true — already in C2). A joke pairing is not a policy.

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