antiphrasis

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Use of a word or phrase in a sense opposite of its literal meaning, especially for ironic or humorous effect.

Pronunciation

/ænˈtɪfrəsɪs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Eleanorrrrrrrrrr-antiphrasis.wav

Word forms

antiphrasis antiphrases

Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin antiphrasis, itself a borrowing from Ancient Greek ἀντίφρασις (antíphrasis) (< phrazein "declare").

Related words

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