antiphrasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, academic, literary
Quick answer
What does “antiphrasis” mean?
The rhetorical device of using a word or phrase to mean the opposite of its literal meaning, often for ironic or humorous effect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The rhetorical device of using a word or phrase to mean the opposite of its literal meaning, often for ironic or humorous effect.
A figure of speech where the intended meaning is contrary to the conventional meaning of the word. It is a form of irony, often used in sarcasm, where the effect is created by semantic inversion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both British and American academic and literary contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and technical; denotes a specific rhetorical device.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “antiphrasis” in a Sentence
The [noun phrase] is a clear case of antiphrasis.The author employs antiphrasis to [verb phrase].This is an example of antiphrasis, where [explanation].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antiphrasis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To antiphrase is a rare but recognised verb form in scholarly writing.
American English
- The critic noted how the author antiphrased the term 'kindness' to mean its opposite.
adverb
British English
- He spoke antiphrastically, praising the disastrous plan.
American English
- She said, antiphrastically, 'What a wonderful surprise,' when the power failed.
adjective
British English
- The antiphrastic nature of the nickname 'Tiny' for a very large man was obvious.
American English
- His antiphrastic comment, calling the messy room 'neat,' was dripping with sarcasm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, linguistics, and rhetoric papers to describe ironic naming or labelling.
Everyday
Extremely rare. The concept is understood as 'sarcasm' or 'irony' by non-specialists.
Technical
The precise term in rhetoric and stylistics for the device of meaning the opposite of what is said.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antiphrasis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antiphrasis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antiphrasis”
- Pronouncing it as /æntiˈfreɪsɪs/ (with a long 'a' sound).
- Confusing it with 'antithesis' (direct opposite).
- Using it to describe situational irony rather than specifically verbal/linguistic irony.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Antiphrasis is a specific linguistic mechanism often used to create sarcasm. Sarcasm is a broader, often tone-based form of mockery, while antiphrasis is the technical term for using a word to mean its opposite.
Typically, no. Antiphrasis is a deliberate rhetorical or literary device. If a word is used incorrectly to mean its opposite by mistake, that is simply an error, not antiphrasis.
They are opposites in effect. Euphemism uses a milder word to soften a harsh reality (e.g., 'passed away'). Antiphrasis uses a word to mean its direct opposite, often to criticize or create irony (e.g., calling a coward 'brave').
Not exactly. Litotes affirms something by denying its opposite (e.g., 'not bad' meaning 'good'). Antiphrasis directly uses the opposite word ('bad' to mean 'good'). Both are ironic but operate through different grammatical and semantic structures.
The rhetorical device of using a word or phrase to mean the opposite of its literal meaning, often for ironic or humorous effect.
Antiphrasis is usually formal, academic, literary in register.
Antiphrasis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌænˈtɪfrəsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈtɪfrəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the term itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think ANTI-PHRASE-IS: you are ANTI (against) the usual PHRASE meaning. It IS the opposite.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A MIRROR (that shows the inverted image).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of antiphrasis?