I am not able to tell the difference between paradox and oxymoron
Is Ms. Sue there?
Google each of those words.
What did you find?
I just find that they are the same things then why are there 2 words to describe one thing?
This site explains the differences.
http://literarydevices.net/oxymoron/
Understanding the difference between a paradox and an oxymoron can be challenging, but I'll explain it to you.
A paradox is a statement that appears to be contradictory or absurd, but upon closer examination, contains some truth or logic. It is a figure of speech or a situation that seems to go against common sense or intuition. An example of a paradox is the statement, "I know that I know nothing." This statement seems contradictory because how can someone claim to know that they know nothing? However, it highlights the paradoxical nature of human knowledge and the concept of self-awareness.
Now, an oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms to create a particular effect or emphasis. Unlike a paradox, an oxymoron doesn't necessarily contain inherent truth or logic. It is more about creating a striking contrast or irony for rhetorical or artistic purposes. Some examples of oxymorons include "jumbo shrimp," "pretty ugly," or "dark light." These phrases juxtapose contradictory ideas to evoke a specific feeling or to emphasize the contrast between two opposing concepts.
To identify whether a statement is a paradox or an oxymoron, you need to analyze the underlying logic and purpose of the statement. If it seems to present conflicting ideas that may contain some truth or insight, it is likely a paradox. On the other hand, if it combines contradictory terms for emphasis or rhetorical effect, it is more likely an oxymoron.