Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

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How is an oxymoron defined in literature?

A humorous exaggeration
A contradictory combination of words
A repetitive phrase for emphasis
A comparison between two unrelated things

The correct answer is: A contradictory combination of words

An oxymoron is defined as a contradictory combination of words that brings together seemingly opposing ideas or terms to create a new or unique meaning. This literary device is often used to provoke thought, create paradox, or highlight a particular quality or emotion in a more striking way. For example, terms such as "bittersweet," "deafening silence," and "jumbo shrimp" illustrate how two opposite or contradictory concepts can coexist, inviting readers to consider the complexity of a situation or feeling. This nuanced interplay is what distinguishes an oxymoron from other rhetorical devices like hyperbole, which is an exaggerated statement for effect, or metaphor, which involves a comparison between unrelated things. By using oxymorons, writers can convey deeper meanings and provoke a stronger emotional response from the audience.