2.1.7
Oxymoron
Oxymoron
Oxymoron
An oxymoron is when two contrasting ideas are combined for dramatic effect or to create a comedic effect.
![Illustrative background for Minor crisis](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/f793d920-cf70-49b8-892a-9e244af7da31/police-car,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Minor crisis ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/f793d920-cf70-49b8-892a-9e244af7da31/police-car,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Minor crisis
Minor crisis
- There was a minor crisis yesterday.
- In this phrase, the two meanings of the words ‘minor crisis’ combine to give the reader pause – oxymorons are not straightforward; they make your reader think.
- A crisis is a time of severe difficulty, and so it cannot be a ‘minor’ event – it literally cannot be a crisis if it is ‘minor’.
![Illustrative background for Bittersweet](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/df357add-708f-45c9-8be1-2b3807d41145/Comedy-Laughing-Laughter-Man-Chuckle,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Bittersweet ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/df357add-708f-45c9-8be1-2b3807d41145/Comedy-Laughing-Laughter-Man-Chuckle,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Bittersweet
Bittersweet
- He laughed at the bittersweet memory.
- In this phrase, the two meanings of the word ‘bittersweet’ give the reader pause – oxymorons are not straightforward; they make your reader think.
- ‘Bitter’ and ‘sweet’ are antonyms (they have opposite meanings), and so things cannot usually be ‘bitter’ and ‘sweet’ at the same time.
![Illustrative background for Deafening silence](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/54c06833-6b3c-471b-a88a-068241d2a7f7/shutterstock_629006642,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Deafening silence ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/54c06833-6b3c-471b-a88a-068241d2a7f7/shutterstock_629006642,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Deafening silence
Deafening silence
- They stared at each other in the deafening silence.
- In this phrase, the two meanings of the words ‘deafening’ combine to give the reader pause – oxymorons are not straightforward; they make your reader think. Silence, by definition, has no sound – so it literally cannot deafen anyone because there is no noise.
1Key Terms
2Language Techniques
2.1Language Devices
3Paper 1: Reading
4Paper 1: Writing
5Paper 2: Reading
5.1DAFORESTER
6Paper 2: Writing
6.1Structuring Your Answer
6.2Types of Writing
6.3Writing to...
6.3.1Writing to Inform
6.3.2Writing to Inform - Example
6.3.3Writing to Explain
6.3.4Writing to Explain - Example
6.3.5Writing to Persuade
6.3.6Writing to Persuade - Example
6.3.7Writing to Argue
6.3.8Writing to Argue - Example
6.3.9Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue
6.3.10Writing to Advise
6.3.11Writing to Advise - Example
6.3.12End of Topic Test - Writing to...
6.3.13Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Writing
Jump to other topics
1Key Terms
2Language Techniques
2.1Language Devices
3Paper 1: Reading
4Paper 1: Writing
5Paper 2: Reading
5.1DAFORESTER
6Paper 2: Writing
6.1Structuring Your Answer
6.2Types of Writing
6.3Writing to...
6.3.1Writing to Inform
6.3.2Writing to Inform - Example
6.3.3Writing to Explain
6.3.4Writing to Explain - Example
6.3.5Writing to Persuade
6.3.6Writing to Persuade - Example
6.3.7Writing to Argue
6.3.8Writing to Argue - Example
6.3.9Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue
6.3.10Writing to Advise
6.3.11Writing to Advise - Example
6.3.12End of Topic Test - Writing to...
6.3.13Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Writing
![Go student ad image](/en-GB/revision-notes/_next/image?url=%2Fen-GB%2Frevision-notes%2Fimages%2Fgo-student-uk-ad.jpg&w=640&q=100)
Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring
Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home
Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs
30+ school subjects covered