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oxymoron

[ ok-si-mohr-on ] [ ˌɒk sɪˈmoʊr ɒn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a figure of speech that produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect.

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Why Dictionary.com chose oxymoron

More about oxymoron

  • First recorded in 1650–60.
  • Comes from the Late Latin word oxymorum.
  • Oxymorum is from the presumed but unrecorded Greek neuter of oxýmōros, meaning “sharp-dull.”
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EXAMPLES OF OXYMORON

  • The song’s title, “Bittersweet Symphony,” perfectly captures the essence of an oxymoron by evoking both positive and negative emotions.
  • The comedian’s act was filled with witty oxymorons that left the audience laughing and scratching their heads at the same time.
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sesquipedalian

[ ses-kwi-pi-dey-lee-uhn ] [ ˌsɛs kwɪ pɪˈdeɪ li ən ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

(of a word) containing many syllables.

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Why Dictionary.com chose sesquipedalian

More about sesquipedalian

  • First recorded in 1650–60.
  • Comes from the Latin word sesquipedālis, meaning “measuring a foot and a half.”
  • The first part, sesqui-, means “one and a half,” and pedal, means “of the feet,” which also forms pedestrianpedicure, and pedal, as in “a foot-operated lever.”
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EXAMPLES OF SESQUIPEDALIAN

  • The poet’s use of sesquipedalian words in their verses added an air of sophistication to their work.
  • A love of language and her sesquipedalian speech made her a captivating public speaker.
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coffee nap

[ kaw-fee nap, kof-ee ] [ ˈkɔ fi ˌnæp, ˈkɒf i ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a short nap, usually 15–30 minutes, taken immediately after drinking a cup of coffee, the claimed benefit being that the energizing effect of caffeine may be bolstered by a sleeping body’s drop in adenosine levels.

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Why Dictionary.com chose coffee nap

More about coffee nap

EXAMPLES OF COFFEE NAP

  • As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee engulfed the room, she eagerly anticipated a rejuvenating coffee nap to combat her afternoon slump.
  • Feeling drowsy, he gulped down a strong espresso shot, hoping it would kick in before his scheduled coffee nap.
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