antiphrasis

an·tiph·ra·sis

A a

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [an-tif-ruh-sis]
- /ænˈtɪf rə sɪs/
- /ˌantɪfrˈasiz/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [an-tif-ruh-sis]
- /ænˈtɪf rə sɪs/

Definitions of antiphrasis word

noun antiphrasis the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal one, esp for ironic effect 3
noun antiphrasis the use of words or phrases in a sense opposite to the usual one, as for ironic effect 3
noun antiphrasis the use of a word in a sense opposite to its proper meaning. 1
noun antiphrasis (rhetoric) Use of a word or phrase in a sense not in accord with its literal meaning, especially for ironic or humorous effect. 1

See all 4 definitions of antiphrasis

Information block about the term

Origin of antiphrasis

First appearance:

before 1525

One of the 28% oldest English words

1525-35; < Latin < Greek, derivative of antiphrázein to speak the opposite (anti- anti- + phrázein to speak); see phrase, sis

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Antiphrasis

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Antiphrasis

antiphrasis popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 44% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

According to our data about 71% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

antiphrasis usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer