antiphrasis

[ an-tif-ruh-sis ]

noun

, Rhetoric.

1. the use of a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning.

antiphrasis

/ ænˈtɪfrəsɪs /

noun

1. rhetoric the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal one, esp for ironic effect

Other Words From

• an·ti·phras·tic [an-ti-, fras, -tik], anti·phrasti·cal adjective
• anti·phrasti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiphrasis¹

1525–35; < Latin < Greek, derivative of antiphrázein to speak the opposite ( anti- anti- + phrázein to speak); phrase, sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of antiphrasis¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from anti- + phrasis, from phrazein to speak

Example Sentences

The friend who presented me with him had given him, perhaps by antiphrasis, the startling name of Pelléas.

From Project Gutenberg

Instances of antiphrasis in the names given to black slaves are very common.

From Project Gutenberg