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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is an example of an oxymoron?
Which of the following is an example of an oxymoron?
An oxymoron can only consist of two words.
An oxymoron can only consist of two words.
True
Provide an example of an oxymoron.
Provide an example of an oxymoron.
Jumbo shrimp
The term 'living __dead' refers to a concept in literature and popular culture that combines life and death.
The term 'living __dead' refers to a concept in literature and popular culture that combines life and death.
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Match the following terms to their corresponding oxymorons:
Match the following terms to their corresponding oxymorons:
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Study Notes
Oxymorons
- Oxymorons are figures of speech that combine contradictory terms for rhetorical effect.
- This literary device highlights the complexity and paradoxical nature of language and meaning.
Examples of Oxymorons
- Loosely packed: Suggests an arrangement that is both organized and disorganized.
- Safety hazard: Contradicts the notion of safety, pointing out inherent risks.
- Science fiction: Combines factual scientific concepts with imaginative storytelling.
- All alone: Emphasizes total isolation while implying completeness.
- Civil war: Contradiction between 'civil' (orderly) and 'war' (conflict), often seen in historical contexts.
- Pretty ugly: Juxtaposes attractiveness with unattractiveness, often humorously.
- Peace riot: Contrasts the idea of peace with the chaos of a riot, indicating a disruption of calm.
- Act naturally: Suggests a contradiction in performing behavior that should be instinctive.
- Instant summary: Implies a quick yet comprehensive encapsulation of information.
- Boneless ribs: Combines a specific type of meat with the absence of bones, creating a puzzling idea.
- Authentic replica: Poses a paradox where authenticity is associated with imitation.
- Detailed summary: Indicates a concise overview that nevertheless contains extensive information.
- Clearly confused: Highlights a state of bewilderment that is evident yet paradoxical.
- Great depression: Refers to a significant economic downturn, blending a positive descriptor with a debilitating condition.
- Living dead: Pairs life with death, often used in horror contexts to denote zombies or similar creatures.
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Description
Test your knowledge of oxymorons with this engaging quiz. Match the terms to reveal classic examples of this figure of speech. Perfect for students of literature or anyone interested in the nuances of language.
