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

And sometimes a name employs what the Greeks called antiphrasis.

From Washington Post

Besides all the fine things above described in my uncle's garden, there was also a rather unpleasant pavilion, which he had entitled the Délices, doubtless by antiphrasis.

From Project Gutenberg

The antiphrasis, or the broad flout, when we deride by flat contradiction, antithetically calling a dwarf a giant; or addressing a black woman, “In sooth ye are a fair one!”

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Now, they were taunted with their very name, as having been bestowed upon them "by antiphrasis," i.e. by contraries.

From Project Gutenberg