What is it called when you put two opposite words together?

What is an oxymoron? An oxymoron is also a noun that’s defined as “a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in ‘cruel kindness’ or ‘to make haste slowly. ‘” So when contradictory or opposing words are combined, that expression is an oxymoron.

Is sanction a Contronym? However, the word “sanction” can have an opposite meaning: an official approval for an action. … Because “sanction” has a second, opposite meaning, it is a contronym.

Likewise Can a person be paradoxical?

2 : someone who does two things that seem to be opposite to each other or who has qualities that are opposite As an actor, he’s a paradox—he loves being in the public eye but also deeply values and protects his privacy.

What is the difference between paradox and oxymoron? An oxymoron is the conjunction of two words with meanings that contradict each other. While a paradox is the opposition of ideas or themes, an oxymoron is a contradiction merely between words. An example of oxymoron in literature can be found in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

What is paradox in figures of speech?

A paradox is a figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself. … This term comes from the Greek paradoxa, meaning “incredible, contrary to opinion or expectation.”

Why are there Contronyms? Many auto-antonyms developed their contradictory meanings through a process of semantic broadening; that is, a word that has a more specific meaning gains a broader and more general meaning later on in its life. … Sometimes, a contronym develops because we conflate two homographs which are not actually related.

How do I use nonplussed?

: so surprised or confused as to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do She was nonplussed by his confession.

Is fast a contronym? Other contronyms are a form of polysemy, but where a single word acquires different and ultimately opposite definitions. For example, sanction—”permit” or “penalize”; bolt (originally from crossbows)—”leave quickly” or “fix/immobilize”; fast—”moving rapidly” or “unmoving”.

What is paradoxical behavior?

What is a paradox? A paradox is a situation where observations are not in accordance with experiences or expectations. Often paradoxes disappear when one gets a richer understanding of the “environment” in which the situation arises.

What causes paradoxical? A paradoxical reaction or paradoxical effect is an effect of a chemical substance, typically a medical drug, that is opposite to what would usually be expected. An example of a paradoxical reaction is pain caused by a pain relief medication.

What are paradoxical qualities?

If something is paradoxical, it involves two facts or qualities that seem to contradict each other.

What is a central paradox? countable noun. You describe a situation as a paradox when it involves two or more facts or qualities which seem to contradict each other.

What’s the difference between irony and paradox?

Irony ‘“ refers to real or literary situations or conversations where the evident meaning of a statement or action is incongruous with its intended meaning. Paradox ‘“ refers to a statement that defies intuition as it leads to seemingly irreconcilable contradictions.

What do you call the phrase jumbo shrimp? A classic oxymoron can be found in the seafood section of your local grocery store: jumbo shrimp. … So “jumbo shrimp” is an oxymoron. The term “oxymoron” comes from Greek, where “oxy” means “sharp or acute,” and “moros” means “dumb or foolish.” So oxymoron is itself a bit of, well, an oxymoron.

What is hyperbole in figure of speech?

hyperbole, a figure of speech that is an intentional exaggeration for emphasis or comic effect. Hyperbole is common in love poetry, in which it is used to convey the lover’s intense admiration for his beloved.

How is apology a contronym? Apology can be a tricky contronym, since when you usually hear this word, it’s because someone is saying sorry for something they did. However, apology can also be a defense of something that someone did. For example: The politician had to make a public apology for lying.

Why does egregious have two meanings?

It comes from a Latin word whose root means “flock,” as in a flock of birds. The whole Latin word means “standing out from the flock.” Originally, “egregious” meant to stand out from the flock in a good way; but now, thanks to our snarky ancestors, it means to stand out from the flock in a bad way.

Is nonplussed a contronym? Actually nonplussed is a contronym: it is a synonym for a word that means the opposite of itself. In other words, the opposite of nonplussed is actually nonplussed. (Like you know “sanction”.)

Why does nonplussed mean opposite things?

A: The participial adjective “nonplussed” has meant perplexed or disconcerted since it showed up in written English in the early 1600s, but a lot of people—and not just Americans—now think it means the opposite: unfazed or indifferent.

Is being obsequious a good thing? overly obedient or attentive. Being obsequious is also not a good sign.

Is nonplussed a Contronym?

Actually nonplussed is a contronym: it is a synonym for a word that means the opposite of itself. In other words, the opposite of nonplussed is actually nonplussed. (Like you know “sanction”.)

What is the opposite of itself? Auto-antonym has Greek roots meaning a word that is the opposite of itself. They have variously been called contranyms, contronyms, antilogies, Janus words (after the two-faced Greek mythical figure, from which “January” also derives), and enantiodromes.

When did inflammable became flammable?

The word inflammable came into use in the 15th century while flammable came in later in the 19th century, as people were interpreting inflammable as not flammable and that could get quite dangerous!