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Oxymora

ox·y·mo·ron n., pl. ox·y·mo·ra  or ox·y·mo·rons. A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist. [Greek oxumoron, from neuter of oxumoros, pointedly foolish : oxus, sharp; see OXYGEN + moros, foolish, dull.] --ox'y·mo·ron'ic adj. --ox'y·mo·ron'i·cal·ly adv.

The American Heritage Dictionary, Third Edition

Richard Lederer lists a number of oxymora in his book Crazy English (1989). Place a check next to the one you are assigned.

Prepare each part below on a separate sheet of paper headed with your name, the class name, the due date and the assignment name. Proofread your work for conciseness, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and completeness. After I return Part 1 to you, use it to improve your work in Part 2.

1. Write out the name of the dictionary you are using.
2. Write out your assigned oxymoron.
3. Write out the dictionary sense that makes the first word oxymoronic. Include its number.
4. Use the word, in the sense above, in a concise properly written sentence.

1. Write out the name of the dictionary you are using.
2. Write out your assigned oxymoron.
3. Write out the dictionary sense that makes the second word oxymoronic. Include its number.
4. Use the word, in the sense above, in a concise properly written sentence.

1. Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary
2. open secret
3. 3a : completely free from concealment : exposed to general view or knowledge
4. He spoke in the open so all could hear.

1. Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary
2. open secret
3. 1 a : kept from knowledge or view : HIDDEN
4. He whispered the secret into her ear.

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original web posting: Monday, October 22, 2001
last modified: Thursday, January 27, 2005