word usage

Question

What is the difference between paradox and irony, also between metaphor and simile?
And I usually have the problem in the synonym contextual usage, can anyone suggest some good resource for learning it?

Elanguest · Accepted Answer

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Olga Tatarinova · Answer

paradox - a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true
irony - the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

It shouldn't be hard to choose between these two as they have nothing in common.

Paradox is the fact of some event happening despite expectations/
Irony is an intentional hypothesis to make fun of somebody.

It might be more useful to read about these words in your native language to get the difference. I would recommend this website:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/metaphor (there's option " Compare" that helps a lot)

Olga Tatarinova · Answer

Metaphor - a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
Simile - a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, (e.g., as brave as a lion).

“She's as fierce as a tiger” is a simile, but “She's a tiger when she's angry” is a metaphor.

Verbalfreak · Answer

Excellent explanation, Olga
Thank you so much!

An0nymous · Answer

This is an interesting question, because irony and paradox, although different in meaning, can appear to be synonymous in certain contexts. For example:

It is paradoxical that pc's crash so often, since they are supposed to save us time.
It is ironical that pc's crash so often, since they are supposed to save us time.

Metaphor and simile are actually very similar. The difference is mostly in form. A simile generally uses the word "as" or "like," and is generally considered the coarser figure of speech. A metaphor is usually the more subtle figure of speech. For example:

My pc crashes like a lead balloon when I'm doing multiple tasks on it.
That lead balloon over there on the desk is wasting my time and energy.

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