Which device involves the contradiction of terms in a single expression?

• A. Oxymoron
• B. Irony
• C. Euphemism
• D. Metaphor

Answer: (A)

An oxymoron is a figure of speech that places two opposite or contradictory terms together in one expression to create a paradox or heightened effect. This pairing of incompatible words—like “deafening silence” or “jumbo shrimp”—is exactly what the item is describing. Irony involves a gap between what is said and what is meant, or between appearance and reality, not just two opposing words side by side. Euphemism uses a milder term to replace a harsher one. Metaphor makes a direct comparison by saying one thing is another, without implying contradiction in the terms themselves.