名人教你讲英文：相反或对比形式的词藻 Figures arising from Contrast

名人教英文：相反或对比形式的词藻 figures arising from contrast

of the many figures of speech in the english language, devices such as antithesis, oxymoron, irony or paradox are often used by writers to create the most impact. by closely placing together opposing ideas or words writers create an element of surprise.

antithesis 修辞中之对句

this figure of speech places opposite ideas to create impact.
examples:

1. she smiles lik e an angel but acts like the devil.
2. he speaks sweet words but hides deadly plans.
3. this man loves to hate all his ex-girlfriends.
4. he is wise to leave his wife but stupid to marry his mistress.
5. the teacher is lazy in marking papers but diligent in rehearsing plays.

oxymoron 对比之字
oxymoron places opposite words together to show contrast.
examples:
the living dead; pretty ugly; a deafening silence;
"and faith unfaithful kept him falsely true."
-lord tennyson

irony 讽刺之反语
this figure of speech uses subtle expressions or words to convey a meaning opposite to expectation.

examples:
1. "next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then." - jane austen
2. he started his life as a millionaire and ended his life in the poor-house.
3. it was an irony of life that he wanted to harm his enemy but ended up hurting himself.
4. it was an irony of fate that he was chasing the girl who later married his best friend.
5. what an irony that our french teacher turns out to be our chinese student!