In fact, the word oxymoron is an oxymoron in itself. The word is derived from two Greek works, ‘oksús’ and ‘mōros’; the former means ‘sharp’ and ‘pointed’, whereas the latter means ‘dull’ and foolish’. The two words are complete opposite of each other, which should not be used together, but still are.
Both are types of figurative language, i.e. they are used to indicative something figuratively and are not meant to be taken literally, as they would not make much sense literally. Despite the fact that they do not make any literal sense, both are common aspects of language and are used regularly. However, it can be said that an oxymoron is used more commonly by the general public, than a paradox, which most people tend to find confusing.
It may be somewhat confusing to tell them apart. However, an oxymoron is often a set of two words that are contradictory in nature, yet somewhat make sense when put together, especially in the common language use of the terms. A paradox, on the other hand, creates a confusing situation that cannot really exist, as nothing can be both true and false at the same time.
Comparison between Paradox and Oxymoron:
Paradox | Oxymoron | |
Definition (Oxford Dictionaries) | A seemingly absurd or contradictory statement or proposition which when investigated may prove to be well founded or true. A statement or proposition which, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems logically unacceptable or self-contradictory. | A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction |
Concept | Sentence or idea | Phrase |
Type | Figurative language | Figurative language |
Etymology | Mid-16th century (originally denoting a statement contrary to accepted opinion): via late Latin from Greek paradoxon ‘contrary (opinion)’, neuter adjective used as a noun, from para- ‘distinct from’ + doxa ‘opinion’. | Mid-17th century: derived from the Greek ὀξύς oksús "sharp, keen, pointed" and μωρός mōros "dull, stupid, foolish", as it were "sharp-dull", or "clever-dumb" |
Example | You can save money by spending it. I'm nobody. "What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young." - George Bernard Shaw Wise fool Bittersweet "I can resist anything but temptation."-Oscar Wilde I'm a compulsive liar- am I lying when I say that? | adult children awfully nice all alone sadly happy bitter sweet civil war clearly misunderstood cruel kindness visible darkness even odds |
Reference: Oxford Dictionaries (Paradox and Oxymoron), Wikipedia (Paradox and Oxymoron), Thought Co., Pediaa Image Courtesy: byrdseed.com, inglesnarede.com.br
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