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antiphrasis

   Also found in: Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
an·tiph·ra·sis  (n-tfr-ss)
n.
The use of a word or phrase in a sense contrary to its normal meaning for ironic or humorous effect, as in a mere babe of 40 years.

[Late Latin, from Greek, from antiphrazein, to express by the opposite : anti-, anti- + phrazein, to speak; see phrase.]

antiphrasis [ænˈtɪfrəsɪs]
n
(Literature / Rhetoric) Rhetoric the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal one, esp for ironic effect
[via Late Latin from Greek, from anti- + phrasis, from phrazein to speak]

antiphrasis
the satirical or humorous use of a word or phrase to convey an idea exactly opposite to its real significance, as Shakespeare’s “honorable men” for Caesar’s murderers. — antiphrastic, adj.
See also: Literature
the use of a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning. — antiphrastic, antiphrastical, adj.
See also: Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.antiphrasis - the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal sense (especially in irony)
rhetorical device - a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)
irony - a trope that involves incongruity between what is expected and what occurs


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The speaker of Bishop's poem repeatedly asserts that it is, but the assertion does not become any truer for that: on the contrary, it is that form of irony called antiphrasis, opposite speaking.
 
 
 
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