Simple Definition:
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or opposite words or ideas to create a new meaning. [Figure of speech means a way of using words that is not their literal meaning.]
Examples:
- Jumbo shrimp [Jumbo means very large; shrimp means a small seafood].
- Bittersweet [Bitter means having a sharp taste; sweet means having a pleasant taste].
Very Simple Definition:
An oxymoron is a combination of words that have opposite meanings.
Examples:
- Silent scream [Silent means without sound; scream means a loud cry].