Oximoron vs. Oxymoron — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on April 3, 2024
"Oximoron" is an incorrect spelling of "Oxymoron." An oxymoron is a figure of speech combining contradictory terms.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Oximoron or Oxymoron
How to spell Oxymoron?
Oximoron
Incorrect Spelling
Oxymoron
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember "moron" in "oxymoron" refers to a dull person, contrasting the "sharp" "oxy", making it an oxymoron in itself.
Associate "moron" with "oxymoron" as the latter part of the word.
"Oxymoron" is like "oxygen" plus "moron" which both exist in English.
"Oxymoron" contains "oxy" which means "sharp" or "acute," reinforcing its correct spelling.
Think of "oxygen" which starts with "oxy-" as well.
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How Do You Spell Oxymoron Correctly?
Incorrect: The phrase "jumbo shrimp" is an interesting oximoron.
Correct: The phrase "jumbo shrimp" is an interesting oxymoron.
Incorrect: He called the idea of a peaceful war an oximoron.
Correct: He called the idea of a peaceful war an oxymoron.
Incorrect: She described the movie as a tragic comedy, calling it an oximoron.
Correct: She described the movie as a tragic comedy, calling it an oxymoron.
Incorrect: The concept of an open secret is a classic oximoron.
Correct: The concept of an open secret is a classic oxymoron.
Incorrect: Finding a quiet spot in the city is like searching for a loud oximoron.
Correct: Finding a quiet spot in the city is like searching for a loud oxymoron.
Oxymoron Definitions
A combination of contradictory or incongruent words.
Deafening silence.
A juxtaposition of contradictory elements.
Original copy.
A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear together.
Jumbo shrimp.
A rhetorical device used for effect or emphasis.
Bitter sweet.
A pairing of opposing words to convey a nuanced meaning.
Living dead.
An oxymoron (usual plural oxymorons, more rarely oxymora) is a figure of speech that juxtaposes concepts with opposing meanings within a word or phrase that creates an ostensible self-contradiction. An oxymoron can be used as a rhetorical device to illustrate a rhetorical point or to reveal a paradox.
A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist.
(rhetoric) A figure of speech in which two words or phrases with opposing meanings are used together intentionally for effect.
A contradiction in terms.
A figure in which an epithet of a contrary signification is added to a word; e. g., cruel kindness; laborious idleness.
Conjoining contradictory terms (as in `deafening silence')
Oxymoron Meaning in a Sentence
Calling a dessert "sinfully good" is an oxymoron because sin implies something bad, while the dessert is delicious.
The phrase "alone together" is an oxymoron that describes being in the same place but not interacting.
The term "deafening silence" is an oxymoron that describes a silence so profound it feels loud.
"Bittersweet" is an oxymoron that perfectly captures the feeling of being happy and sad at the same time.
"Pretty ugly" is an oxymoron used to describe something that is unattractive in a distinctive way.
Describing a task as "seriously funny" is an oxymoron because it blends the serious with the humorous.
"Original copy" is an oxymoron often used in the context of artworks or documents.
"Silent scream" is an oxymoron for a feeling of extreme distress without vocal expression.
"Act naturally" is a common oxymoron because acting implies pretending.
"Awfully good" is an oxymoron that describes something surprisingly excellent.
"Random order" is an oxymoron describing a sequence that appears unordered but is intentionally arranged.
"Clearly confused" is an oxymoron used when someone understands they do not understand.
"Wise fool" is an oxymoron used to describe someone who is smart in some ways but foolish in others.
"Old news" is an oxymoron because news implies new information, yet this refers to information that is no longer new.
"Minor crisis" is an oxymoron because a crisis implies a major problem, but this suggests it's a smaller issue.
"Freezer burn" is an oxymoron because freezing is cold and burning is associated with heat.
"Deafening whisper" is an oxymoron for a whisper that carries a lot of weight or impact.
"Living dead" is an oxymoron used in fiction to describe creatures like zombies.
"Civil war" is an oxymoron combining the orderly with the chaotic nature of war.
"Giant dwarf" is an oxymoron often used humorously to describe someone tall with a role or nickname suggesting shortness.
"Virtual reality" is an oxymoron that describes a simulated experience that feels real.
"Definite maybe" is an oxymoron used to express uncertainty in a decision.
"Liquid gas" is an oxymoron used in chemistry to describe a gas that has been condensed into liquid form.
"Only choice" is an oxymoron because a choice implies options, yet this suggests there's only one.
"Rapidly slow" is an oxymoron often used humorously to describe something moving more slowly than expected.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of Oxymoron?
"Oxymoron" is pronounced as /ˌɑːk.siˈmɔːr.ɑːn/.
Why is it called Oxymoron?
"Oxymoron" is derived from Greek "oxys" (sharp) and "moros" (dull or foolish), effectively meaning "sharp-dull."
Which vowel is used before Oxymoron?
This depends on the context in a sentence. There's no specific rule.
Which preposition is used with Oxymoron?
"Of" and "in" are commonly used, as in "oxymoron of terms" or "used in an oxymoron."
Is Oxymoron a noun or adjective?
"Oxymoron" is a noun.
What is the verb form of Oxymoron?
There is no standard verb form for "oxymoron."
Which conjunction is used with Oxymoron?
Any conjunction can be used based on context. There's no specific conjunction exclusive to "oxymoron."
Which article is used with Oxymoron?
"An" when singular as in "an oxymoron."
What is the root word of Oxymoron?
It originates from the Greek words "oxys" (sharp) and "moros" (foolish).
What is the singular form of Oxymoron?
"Oxymoron" is the singular form.
Is Oxymoron a countable noun?
Yes, you can have one oxymoron or multiple oxymorons.
Is Oxymoron a collective noun?
No, it's not a collective noun.
How many syllables are in Oxymoron?
"Oxymoron" has four syllables.
What is the plural form of Oxymoron?
The plural form is "oxymorons."
Is Oxymoron an abstract noun?
Yes, it is an abstract noun as it represents an idea.
How do we divide Oxymoron into syllables?
"Ox-y-mor-on."
What is the second form of Oxymoron?
N/A
Is Oxymoron an adverb?
No, "oxymoron" is not an adverb.
Is Oxymoron a vowel or consonant?
"Oxymoron" is a word and consists of both vowels and consonants.
What is another term for Oxymoron?
"Contradiction in terms" or "paradoxical juxtaposition."
What is the opposite of Oxymoron?
There isn't a direct opposite, but "tautology" (redundant expression) might be seen as its contrast.
What is the first form of Oxymoron?
"Oxymoron" is a noun and doesn't have verb forms.
Is the word Oxymoron imperative?
No, "oxymoron" is not used as an imperative verb.
What is a stressed syllable in Oxymoron?
The third syllable, "mor", is stressed.
Which determiner is used with Oxymoron?
Determiners like "this", "that", "an", and "the" can be used based on context.
What is the third form of Oxymoron?
N/A
Is Oxymoron a negative or positive word?
"Oxymoron" is neutral, but its interpretation can depend on context.
Is the Oxymoron term a metaphor?
No, an oxymoron itself isn't a metaphor, but it's a rhetorical device.
What part of speech is Oxymoron?
"Oxymoron" is a noun.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
