TITLE

OXYMORON or synoeciosis (Gr. "pointedly foolish"; Lat. contrapositum)

AUTHOR(S)

F.J.W.; A.W.H.; T.V.F.B.

PUB. DATE

January 1993

SOURCE

New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry & Poetics;1993, p873

SOURCE TYPE

Book

DOC. TYPE

Reference Entry

ABSTRACT

The article presents a definition of the term OXYMORON or synoeciosis (Gr. "pointedly foolish"; Lat. contrapositum). A figure of speech which yokes together two seemingly contradictory elements. O. is thus a form of condensed paradox (q.v.). O. is particularly effective in evoking religious mysteries or other meanings which the poet feels to be beyond the reach of logical distinction or ordinary sense. O. is a complex figure best understood by placing it in the group formed by the other related figures of contrast such as antithesis, antiphrasis, and paradox.

ACCESSION #

18912114

Tags: OXYMORON;  TERMS & phrases;  PARADOXES;  RELIGIOUS mysteries;  FIGURES of speech;  POETS

 

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