antiphrasis

(an tif′rə sis)

noun

the use of words or phrases in a sense opposite to the usual one, as for ironic effect

Origin: L < Gr < anti-, against + phrazein, to speak

See antiphrasis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

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.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin

Origin: , from Greek

Origin: , from antiphrazein, to express by the opposite

Origin: : anti-, anti-

Origin: + phrazein, to speak; see phrase

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