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Definitions from the Web

Oxymoron

Description:

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory or contrasting terms to create a paradoxical effect. It is a rhetorical device that is commonly used to add emphasis, create humor, or provoke thought.

Senses:

Sense 1 (Noun):

A phrase in which two contradictory terms appear side by side, often to create a dramatic or ironic effect.

Example Sentence: "The living dead"

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Sense 2 (Noun):

A person or thing that combines contradictory qualities or characteristics.

Example Sentence: "She was a sweet nuisance"

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Usages:

Usage 1:

In literature, oxymorons are often utilized to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions.

Example Sentence: "The silence was deafening."

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Usage 2:

Oxymorons are frequently used in advertising slogans to generate attention and make the message more memorable.

Example Sentence: "Buy now, pay later"

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