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oxymoronic

adjective/ˌɑksɪˈmɔrənɪk/

definition

a term or phrase that combines contradictory or opposing ideas

example

The phrase 'deafening silence' is a classic example of an oxymoronic expression that highlights the paradox of extreme quietness.

synonyms
contradictoryself-contradictoryparadoxical
word origin — The word 'oxymoron' comes from the Greek 'oxumos', meaning 'sharp' or 'keen', and 'moros', meaning 'foolish' or 'dull', creating a juxtaposition of contradictory terms.

oxymoronic, philoprogenitive, conchiferous, syzygetic, orthopterous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Ultra set 187. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. oxymoronic · adjective/ˌɑksɪˈmɔrənɪk/

    a term or phrase that combines contradictory or opposing ideas

    The phrase 'deafening silence' is a classic example of an oxymoronic expression that highlights the paradox of extreme quietness.

    Synonyms: contradictory, self-contradictory, paradoxical

    Origin: The word 'oxymoron' comes from the Greek 'oxumos', meaning 'sharp' or 'keen', and 'moros', meaning 'foolish' or 'dull', creating a juxtaposition of contradictory terms.

  2. philoprogenitive · adjective/ˌfɪloʊˈproʊdʒəˌnɪtɪv/

    having a love for or an instinctive tendency to care for one's offspring

    The philoprogenitive behavior of many animals can be seen in the way they nurture and protect their young from predators.

    Synonyms: progenitive, nurturing, parental

    Origin: from the Greek 'philos' meaning 'loving' and 'progenitus' meaning 'born of' or 'produced.'

  3. conchiferous · adjective/ˌkɑːŋkɪˈfɪrəs/

    relating to or characterized by carrying a shell or conch

    The conchiferous species found in these coastal waters exhibit a remarkable variety of shell shapes and sizes.

    Synonyms: shell-bearing, shell-carrying, conch-like

    Origin: From Latin 'conchifer' meaning 'shell-bearing', derived from 'concha' (shell) + 'ferre' (to bear)

  4. syzygetic · adjective/ˌsɪzɪˈdʒɛtɪk/

    relating to or involving a conjunction or opposition of celestial bodies

    The syzygetic alignment of the planets created a spectacular sight in the night sky, fascinating astronomers and casual stargazers alike.

    Synonyms: conjunctive, aligned, opposing

    Origin: from the Greek 'syzygia', meaning 'yoke together' or 'pair'.

  5. orthopterous · adjective/ɔrˈθɑptərəs/

    of or relating to insects of the order orthoptera which includes grasshoppers and crickets

    The orthopterous species found in this region include various types of grasshoppers and crickets that thrive in diverse habitats.

    Synonyms: grig, cricket, grasshopper

    Origin: From New Latin 'Orthoptera', from Greek 'orthos' meaning 'straight' and 'pteron' meaning 'wing.'