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How to pronounce Oxymoron

How to Pronounce "Oxymoron"

Definition: How to say "Oxymoron" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

ok-si-mawr-on (ok-si-mor-on)

How to say "Oxymoron" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Oxymoron.

  • A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction (e.g. deafening silence)
  • A combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness)
  • A rhetorical figure in which an epigrammatic effect is created by the juxtaposition of incongruous or contradictory words (such as a deafening silence)
  • A figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in 'cruel kindness' or 'to make haste slowly'
  • A rhetorical device or figure of speech in which contradictory or opposite words or concepts are combined for effect

Using Oxymoron correctly with these examples:

  • The phrase ‘bittersweet’ is an example of an oxymoron.
  • She was clearly confused by the term ‘jumbo shrimp’ as it seemed like an oxymoron to her.
  • His speech was filled with clever oxymorons that made the audience think deeply.
  • The poet used the oxymoron ‘living dead’ to describe the characters in his story.
  • The advertisement claimed the product was a ‘controlled chaos,’ which some found to be an oxymoron.

Nearby words to Oxymoron:

Paradox, Irony, Contradiction, Juxtaposition, Antithesis,

Synonyms for Oxymoron

Contradiction in terms, Paradox, Incongruity, Antithesis, Juxtaposition of contradictory words,

Review Oxymoron
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Steps to improve your pronunciation

Here are a few things to know that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Oxymoron‘:

  • Break ‘Oxymoron’ down into each individual sound, say it aloud and exaggerate each sound until you can consistently say it without mistakes.
  • Record ‘Oxymoron‘ in a full sentence then watch or listen back. You should be able to mark your flaws quite easily.
  • Search for more tutorials on Google for how to pronounce ‘Oxymoron‘ accurately.
  • Focus on just a single accent: when you mix multiple accents, it can confuse people, and not just beginners. So select one accent, perhaps US and stick to it.


More tips\techniques to enhance your English accent and pronunciation, it’s advised to learn these techniques:

Practicing verbal shortening in speech is normal in the U.S. and is viewed as a regular element of casual conversation. For instance, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is widely accepted. Delve into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more insights.

Improving your intonation is vital for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in conveying your intended message and emotions. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can assist you in mastering these components to pronounce ‘Oxymoron’.

Engage with several Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer complimentary resources that tackle important language skills. Pronounce.tv is another superb source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can greatly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Oxymoron’ and strive to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it second nature.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Getting to know and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you accurately articulate ‘Oxymoron’.

Regularly use English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more proficient you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do people from different regions pronounce ‘oxymoron’ differently?

Yes, people from different regions may pronounce the word “oxymoron” slightly differently due to variations in regional accents and dialects. However, the differences in pronunciation are usually minor and the word is generally recognized and understood regardless of the slight variations in how it is pronounced. In English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, the pronunciation of “oxymoron” typically follows the standard phonetic rules of the English language. The stress is usually placed on the second syllable, with the first syllable pronounced as “ok-see” or “ok-si.” Ultimately, while there may be subtle differences in pronunciation based on regional accents, the word “oxymoron” is widely recognized and understood across different English-speaking regions.

Are there any regional variations in the pronunciation of the word ‘oxymoron’?

Yes, there can be regional variations in the pronunciation of the word ‘oxymoron’. The pronunciation of words can vary depending on the regional accents and dialects of English speakers. In general, ‘oxymoron’ is typically pronounced as “ok-see-mor-on” with the stress on the second syllable. However, in some regions or dialects, it may be pronounced slightly differently, such as “ok-si-mor-on” or “ok-si-mor-an”. These variations are normal and reflect the diversity of language usage across different English-speaking communities.

Does the pronunciation of ‘oxymoron’ change in different English-speaking countries?

The pronunciation of the word “oxymoron” does not typically change significantly across different English-speaking countries. The word is pronounced as “ok-see-mor-on” in most English-speaking regions, with the stress usually falling on the second syllable. However, minor variations in pronunciation may occur based on regional accents or dialects. For example, in British English, the emphasis may be placed on the first syllable, resulting in a pronunciation like “oks-ee-moron.” Similarly, in American English, the emphasis may be more evenly distributed across all syllables, resulting in a pronunciation like “ok-see-mor-on.” Overall, while there may be slight differences in the way “oxymoron” is pronounced in different English-speaking countries, the variations are generally minimal and do not significantly alter the word’s overall pronunciation.

Are there any unique pronunciations of the word ‘oxymoron’ in specific regions?

The word “oxymoron” is pronounced the same way in most English-speaking regions, with the stress on the second syllable: “ox-ee-MOR-on.” However, variations in pronunciation can occur due to regional accents or dialects. For example, in some British English dialects, the emphasis may be on the first syllable: “OX-ee-mor-on.” Additionally, in some regions, the “r” sound at the end of the word may be pronounced more prominently or even dropped altogether. Overall, while the general pronunciation remains consistent, slight variations may exist based on regional differences in accent and dialect.

Is the pronunciation of ‘oxymoron’ the same in different English-speaking countries?

The pronunciation of ‘oxymoron’ is generally the same across different English-speaking countries. The word is typically pronounced as “ok-see-mor-on,” with the stress on the second syllable. However, there may be slight variations in pronunciation due to regional accents and dialects. In some regions, the emphasis may be placed on the first syllable, resulting in a pronunciation like “ox-ee-mor-on.” Overall, the differences in pronunciation are minimal and the word remains easily recognizable regardless of the slight variations in accent.

Can the pronunciation of ‘oxymoron’ vary depending on the speaker’s dialect?

Yes, the pronunciation of “oxymoron” can vary depending on the speaker’s dialect. The word “oxymoron” is derived from Greek roots, so the standard pronunciation is often considered to be /ˌɒksɪˈmɔːrɒn/ or /ˌɑksɪˈmɔːrɑn/. However, regional accents and dialects can influence how individuals pronounce words, including “oxymoron.” For example, in some dialects, the emphasis may be placed on different syllables or the vowel sounds may be slightly altered. Additionally, variations in pronunciation can also be influenced by factors such as cultural background, education, and personal speech patterns. Overall, while there is a standard pronunciation for “oxymoron,” it is not uncommon for variations to exist based on the speaker’s dialect.

How do you use oxymoron in a sentence?

To use an oxymoron in a sentence, you can combine two contradictory or opposite words to create a striking effect. For example, you can say “bittersweet symphony,” “deafening silence,” or “jumbo shrimp.” The key is to juxtapose words with contrasting meanings to create a vivid image or emphasize a point. Oxymorons are commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to add depth, humor, or irony to a statement. By using oxymorons effectively, you can create memorable and thought-provoking sentences that engage the reader or listener.

What accents may have different ways of pronouncing the word ‘oxymoron’?

Accents can influence the pronunciation of the word “oxymoron” in various ways. For example, in a British accent, the emphasis may be placed on the first syllable, resulting in “OX-ee-moron.” In an American accent, the emphasis might be on the second syllable, leading to “ox-EE-moron.” Additionally, regional accents within these countries can further impact the pronunciation. For instance, a Southern American accent may elongate the vowels, resulting in “ox-EE-mor-AWN.” Similarly, in a Scottish accent, the pronunciation might sound more like “ox-ee-MORE-ron.” Overall, the pronunciation of “oxymoron” can vary depending on the speaker’s accent and regional dialect.

What is another name for oxymoron?

Another name for oxymoron is a contradiction in terms. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory or opposing ideas to create a unique and impactful expression. Examples of oxymorons include phrases like “jumbo shrimp,” “deafening silence,” and “bittersweet.” The juxtaposition of these contradictory terms serves to create a vivid and memorable image in the reader or listener’s mind.

Is the word ‘oxymoron’ pronounced the same in British and American English?

Yes, the word “oxymoron” is pronounced the same in both British and American English. The pronunciation is typically as follows: “ok-see-mor-on.” The stress is usually placed on the second syllable, “see.” This term refers to a figure of speech in which two seemingly contradictory words are combined to create a new meaning, such as “jumbo shrimp” or “deafening silence.” The pronunciation of “oxymoron” remains consistent across different English-speaking regions.

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