What do you call a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms, like 'deafening silence'?
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Oxymoron
The word 'oxymoron' itself is an oxymoron; it comes from the Greek words for 'sharp' (oxys) and 'dull' (moros). It is used to create emphasis or illustrate a paradox.
Also asked as:
- What term describes a figure of speech where two opposing or contradictory ideas are joined to create an effect?