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

(rhetoric) Use of a word or phrase in a sense not in accord with its literal meaning, especially for ironic or humorous effect.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Antiphrasis

Noun

Singular:
antiphrasis
Plural:
antiphrases

Origin 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

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to antiphrasis using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words Ending With

Unscrambles

antiphrasis