Antiphrasis Definition
ăn-tĭfrə-sĭs
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.
American Heritage
The use of words or phrases in a sense opposite to the usual one, as for ironic effect.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Antiphrasis
Noun
Singular:
antiphrasisPlural:
antiphrasesOrigin of Antiphrasis
-
Late Latin from Greek from antiphrazein to express by the opposite anti- anti- phrazein to speak phrase
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
anti- + phrasis
From Wiktionary
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