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antiphrasis

 - 2 dictionary results

an⋅tiph⋅ra⋅sis

[an-tif-ruh-sis]
–noun Rhetoric.
the use of a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning.

Origin:
1525–35; < L < Gk, deriv. of antiphrázein to speak the opposite (anti- anti- + phrázein to speak); see phrase, sis


an⋅ti⋅phras⋅tic [an-ti-fras-tik] , an⋅ti⋅phras⋅ti⋅cal, adjective
an⋅ti⋅phras⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To antiphrasis
an·tiph·ra·sis   (ān-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.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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