| antiphrasis | |
| an-tif'-ra-sis | from
Gk. antiphrazein, “to express by antithesis or negation” |
| dictio contrarium significans | |
| the broad floute | |
|
Irony of one word, often derisively through patent contradiction. Also, a synonym for paralipsis (Quintilian). | |
| Examples | ||
| Referring to a tall person: "Now there's a midget for you" | ||
| Related Figures | ||
| Related Topics of Invention | ||
| Sources: | Quintilian 9.2.47-48; Bede 615-16; Susenbrotus (1540) 12, 16-17; Sherry (1550) 46 ("antiphrasis," "dictio contrarium significans"); Peacham (1577) C4v; Putt. (1589) 201 ("antiphrasis," "the broad floute"); Day 1599 80 | |
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