Here's a breakdown:
* Two Contradictory Terms: These terms directly oppose each other in meaning.
* Combined: They are used together in a single phrase or expression.
* Surprising & Thought-Provoking: The juxtaposition of opposites creates a sense of paradox and often invites deeper reflection on the subject.
Examples:
* Living Dead: Living implies life, while dead implies the absence of life.
* Military Intelligence: Military suggests strength and strategy, while intelligence implies thought and knowledge.
* Pretty Ugly: Pretty signifies beauty, while ugly signifies the opposite.
* Cruel Kindness: Cruel implies harshness, while kindness implies gentleness.
* Deafening Silence: Deafening suggests loudness, while silence implies the absence of sound.
Purpose of Oxymorons:
* Emphasis: They highlight the contradiction and draw attention to the idea being expressed.
* Humor: They can be used to create a comedic effect by playing with the unexpected.
* Irony: They can create a sense of irony, highlighting the absurdity or paradoxical nature of a situation.
* Complexity: They can add complexity to language, forcing the reader or listener to consider different perspectives.