ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-METZ1-0007 · ATLAS 251

Antiphrasis

The use of an expression in a contextually recognisable opposite sense.

Explanation

The use of an expression in a contextually recognisable opposite sense. Forces understanding to test wording against situation.

Example

Brilliantly solved, she said after the third data loss.

Counterexample

You handled that badly.

Distinction

Antiphrasis narrowly reverses an expression's sense; irony may involve broader fractures of stance.

Effect on thought and perception

Forces understanding to test wording against situation.

Resonance

The surface points one way and shared context the other.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Antiphrasis“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-METZ1-0007. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-METZ1-0007

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-METZ1-0007

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