Irony Definition

Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their
intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may
also be a situation that may end up in quite a different way than what is
generally anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference between the
appearance and the reality.

Types of Irony
On the grounds of the above definition, we distinguish two basic kinds of irony
i.e. verbal irony and situational irony. A verbal irony involves what one does
not mean. When in response to a foolish idea, we say, what a great idea! it is
a verbal irony. A situational irony occurs when, for instance, a man is chuckling
at the misfortune of the other even when the same misfortune, in complete
unawareness, is befalling him.

Common Examples of Irony

Let us analyze some interesting examples of irony from our daily life:
I posted a video on YouTube about how boring and useless YouTube is.
The name of Britains biggest dog was Tiny.
You laugh at a person who slipped stepping on a banana peel and the
next thing you know, you slipped too.
The butter is as soft as a marble piece.
Oh great! Now you have broken my new camera.

 Oxymoron Definition
Oxymoron, plural oxymora, is a figure of speech in which two opposite
ideas are joined to create an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a
combination of an adjective proceeded by a noun with contrasting
meanings e.g. cruel kindness or living death. However, the
contrasting words/phrases are not always glued together. The
contrasting ideas may be spaced out in a sentence e.g. In order to
lead, you must walk behind.
Difference between Oxymoron and Paradox

It is important to understand the difference between a paradox and an

oxymoron. A paradox may consist of a sentence or even a group of
sentences. An oxymoron, on the other hand, is a combination of two
contradictory or opposite words. A paradox seems contradictory to the general
truth but it does contain an implied truth. An oxymoron, however, may produce
a dramatic effect but does not make sense. Examples of oxymoron are found
both in casual conversations and in literature.
Common Examples of Oxymoron

Open secret
Tragic comedy
Seriously funny
Awfully pretty
Foolish wisdom
Original copies

 Liquid gas
The above oxymoron examples produce a comical effect. Thus, it is a lot of
fun to use them in your everyday speech.
Oxymoron Examples in Literature
Example #1

Below is an extract from the play Romeo and Juliet, Act I, Scene I, written by
William Shakespeare.
Why, then, O brawling love! O loving hate!
O anything, of nothing first create!
O heavy lightness! Serious vanity!
Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms!
Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health!
Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is!
This love feel I, that feel no love in this.
Dost thou not laugh?
We notice a series of oxymoron being employed when Romeo confronts the
love of an inaccessible woman. An intense emotional effect is produced to
highlight his mental conflict by the use of contradictory pairs of words such as
hating love, heavy lightness, bright smoke, cold fire, and sick health.

Paradox Definition

The term Paradox is from the Greek word paradoxon that means contrary to
expectations, existing belief or perceived opinion. It is a statement that
appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a latent truth. It is also
used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional
ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in
innovative way.

Examples of Paradox
Your enemys friend is your enemy.
I am nobody.
What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young. George
Bernard Shaw
Wise fool
Truth is honey which is bitter.
I can resist anything but temptation. Oscar Wilde
From the above examples of paradox, we can say that paradox creates a
humorous effect on the readers because of its ridiculousness.