Question

defining oxymorons
the complete meaning of an oxymoron is compacted into two or three words. on another piece of paper, write a full sentence explaining each of the following oxymorons.

1. working vacation
2. act normally
3. definite maybe
4. plastic glasses
5. found missing
6. small crowd

Explanation:

1. A "working vacation" is a time when a person is on vacation but still has to do some work - a blend of leisure and work.
2. "Act normally" is an oxymoron as "act" implies putting on a performance while "normally" suggests natural behavior.
3. "Definite maybe" is an oxymoron because "definite" means certain while "maybe" implies uncertainty.
4. "Plastic glasses" is an oxymoron as "plastic" is a material and "glasses" usually refers to the traditional glass - made eyewear or drinking vessels, creating a semantic clash.
5. "Found missing" is an oxymoron since "found" means located while "missing" means not located.
6. "Small crowd" is an oxymoron as "crowd" implies a large number of people and "small" implies a limited number.

Answer:

1. A working vacation is a vacation during which one still engages in work - related activities.
2. To act normally means to behave in a natural way while performing.
3. A definite maybe is a statement that combines certainty and uncertainty.
4. Plastic glasses are eyewear or drinking vessels made of plastic instead of traditional glass.
5. Found missing refers to something that has been located despite being considered lost.
6. A small crowd is a gathering of a relatively limited number of people.