The use of two contrasting words that are placed side by side is called

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the figure of speech where two contrasting (opposite) words are placed side by side.

2. Explain the concepts

• Oxymoron: Two contradictory words placed directly next to each other to form a single expression, e.g. "bittersweet," "deafening silence," "living death," "cruel kindness."
• Euphemism: A mild or polite word used in place of a harsh one, e.g. "passed away" for "died."
• Pun: A play on words using multiple meanings or similar sounds for humour.
• Antithesis: Contrasting ideas placed in parallel or balanced structures, usually across phrases or clauses, e.g. "To err is human; to forgive, divine," or "Many are called, but few are chosen."

3. Solution The key phrase is "two contrasting words placed side by side."

• Euphemism and pun do not involve contrast, so they are out.
• Antithesis is a close contender, since it also uses contrast. But antithesis contrasts ideas in balanced phrases or clauses, and the words are not fused into one expression.
• Oxymoron places the contrasting words immediately beside each other (adjective + noun, for example), such as "old news" or "sweet sorrow."

So the "side by side" detail points to oxymoron.

4. Answer A. Oxymoron

5. Exam tip Remember: Oxymoron = Opposites Observed Next to each other (adjacent words). Antithesis = Argument of opposites in balanced phrases or sentences. If the question stresses "side by side" or "together in one phrase," choose oxymoron.