Paradox V. Oxymoron

DEFINITIONS

By Staff Reporters

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Paradoxes are broader concepts that may include statements, situations, or phenomena, revealing a truth through contradiction (e.g., “less is more”).

Oxymorons are combinations of two contradictory words to create a new meaning (e.g., “deafening silence”).

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Most people tend to confuse a paradox with an oxymoron, and it’s not hard to see why. Most oxymoron examples appear to be compressed version of a paradox, in which it is used to add a dramatic effect and to emphasize contrasting thoughts. Although they may seem greatly similar in form, there are slight differences that set them apart.

A paradox consists of a statement with opposing definitions, while an oxymoron combines two contradictory terms to form a new meaning. But because an oxymoron can play out with just two words, it is often used to describe a given object or idea imaginatively.

As for a paradox, the statement itself makes you question whether something is true or false. It appears to contradict the truth, but if given a closer look, the truth is there but is merely implied.

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