What is an oxymoron?

What is an oxymoron?

• A. A pair of two opposite words.
• B. A repeated word used for emphasis.
• C. A dramatic pause.
• D. An ironic statement.

Answer: (A)

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposite words to create a striking or humorous effect. When words with opposite meanings sit next to each other, they force you to notice the contrast and often reveal a new nuance, like in “bittersweet,” “open secret,” or “deafening silence.” This blending of opposites is what makes the expression memorable. The other ideas describe different language devices. Repeating a word for emphasis is about repetition, not opposites. A dramatic pause concerns pacing or timing in speech. An ironic statement involves saying the opposite of what is meant, which is about tone and intention rather than the simple juxtaposition of contradictory terms.

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that pairs two opposite words to create a striking or humorous effect. When words with opposite meanings sit next to each other, they force you to notice the contrast and often reveal a new nuance, like in “bittersweet,” “open secret,” or “deafening silence.” This blending of opposites is what makes the expression memorable.

The other ideas describe different language devices. Repeating a word for emphasis is about repetition, not opposites. A dramatic pause concerns pacing or timing in speech. An ironic statement involves saying the opposite of what is meant, which is about tone and intention rather than the simple juxtaposition of contradictory terms.