antiphrasis

an·tiph·ra·sis

 (ăn-tĭf′rə-sĭs)

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.

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

antiphrasis

(ænˈtɪfrəsɪs)

n

(Rhetoric) rhetoric the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal one, esp for ironic effect

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

an•tiph•ra•sis

(ænˈtɪf rə sɪs)

n.

the use of a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning, esp. for ironic effect.

[1525–35; < Latin < Greek, derivative of antiphrázein to speak the opposite]

an•ti•phras•tic (ˌæn tɪˈfræs tɪk) adj.

an`ti•phras′ti•cal•ly, adv.

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

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the use of a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning. — antiphrastic, antiphrastical, adj.

See also: Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices

antiphrasis

The use of a word to mean the opposite of its usual meaning, especially for ironic effect.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

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

Translations

antiphrase