antiphrasis
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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.
[Late Latin, from Greek, from antiphrazein, to express by the opposite : anti-, anti- + phrazein, to speak; see phrase.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
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.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
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: Literaturethe use of a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning. — antiphrastic, antiphrastical, adj.
See also: Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
antiphrasis
The use of a word to mean the opposite of its usual meaning, especially for ironic effect.
Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by Diagram Visual Information Limited
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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 |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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