The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

antipode

IPA:

Dictionary definition of antipode

A concept or entity that stands in stark contrast or complete opposition to another.
"The antipode of freedom, in many minds, is not jail but fear."

Detailed meaning of antipode

It embodies the idea of a polar or diametrically opposed counterpart, emphasizing the extreme differences between two things. In this context, an antipode can refer to a person, place, idea, or situation that is the complete opposite of what is being discussed or compared. For example, in a philosophical debate, one viewpoint may be considered the antipode of another, signifying a fundamental opposition in beliefs or principles. In essence, "antipode" underscores the concept of direct and extreme contrast, highlighting the opposing nature of two entities or ideas in a given context.

Example sentences containing antipode

1. The monk's humility stood as an antipode to the king's arrogance.
2. Love, for him, was the antipode of indifference, not hate.
3. In literature, the hero often faces the antipode of their ideals.
4. The quiet countryside is the antipode of bustling urban life.
5. For some, solitude is the antipode of loneliness, not its synonym.
6. In their debates, he always took the antipode stance, challenging views.

History and etymology of antipode

The noun 'antipode' has its origins in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word 'antipodes,' which combines 'anti,' meaning 'opposite,' and 'pous,' meaning 'foot.' In ancient Greek cosmology, the term 'antipodes' referred to people who lived on the opposite side of the Earth, with their feet pointing in the opposite direction. Over time, this word evolved to describe anything that stands in stark contrast or complete opposition to another, emphasizing the idea of being diametrically opposed or at the opposite extreme. The etymology of 'antipode' reflects its historical association with the concept of oppositeness, capturing the notion of entities or concepts that are in direct and often irreconcilable opposition to one another.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun antipode:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of antipode

1. To her, the antipode of knowledge was not ignorance, but apathy.
2. In nature, every element seems to have its antipode balancing it out.
3. The artist's vision was the antipode of conventional aesthetics.
4. Bright summer days were the antipode of long winter nights.
5. Wisdom, they say, is the antipode of naivety, not intelligence.
6. His approach to life was the antipode of her carefree attitude.
7. Some argue that in math, every theorem has an antipode.
8. Australia is often referred to as the antipode of the United States.
9. The calm sea was the antipode of the stormy night before.
10. Many writers use the antipode concept to develop contrasting characters.
11. In politics, his views often represent the antipode of mainstream thought.
12. The antipode of youthful zest is often seen as aged wisdom.
13. The antipode of complexity, in her art, was profound simplicity.
14. The antipode of a point on the globe is the point diametrically opposite to it.
15. Their viewpoints were like antipodes, with completely opposite perspectives on the matter.
16. The climate in her hometown was the antipode of the tropical paradise she visited.
17. She was intrigued by the idea that her exact antipode was in the middle of the ocean.
18. The antipodes of cultural traditions often provide unique insights and perspectives.
19. The author explored the antipodes of human emotions in her gripping novel.
20. The two athletes seemed like antipodes in terms of their training methods and strategies.
21. The city's bustling urban life was the antipode of the peaceful countryside.
22. The antipodes of success and failure can teach valuable life lessons.
23. Their personalities were antipodes, one being introverted and the other extroverted.
24. He studied the antipodes of historical events, delving into lesser-known narratives.
25. The economist's theories were considered antipodes to the prevailing economic wisdom.
26. The antipode of love is not hatred, but indifference.
27. The symphony explored the antipodes of emotions, from melancholy to euphoria.