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antithesis

IPA:

Dictionary definition of antithesis

A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
"The concept of war is the antithesis of peace."

Detailed meaning of antithesis

Antithesis is a literary and rhetorical device that involves the contrasting of two opposing ideas, usually in a balanced sentence. It is a figure of speech in which an opposite or contrasting idea is expressed in parallel structure. The ideas or words in antithesis are in a stark contrast to one another, creating a strong and dramatic effect.

For example, "I came, I saw, I conquered" is an example of antithesis, as the three clauses are contrasting in meaning, "I came" and "I conquered" are opposite of one another. Similarly, the phrase "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," spoken by President John F. Kennedy, is an example of antithesis as the two halves of the sentence are contrasting ideas.

Antithesis can also be used to create a sense of tension, irony or paradox. It is often used to emphasize a point, or to make a comparison, to create a sense of balance and symmetry in a sentence or text.

Overall, Antithesis is a literary and rhetorical device that is used to create a contrast between two opposing ideas, usually in a balanced sentence, to create a sense of tension, irony or paradox and to emphasize a point.

Example sentences containing antithesis

1. She is the antithesis of her introverted sister.
2. In politics, he's the antithesis of compromise.
3. The bustling city is the antithesis of rural life.
4. His calm demeanor is the antithesis of anxiety.
5. Winter's cold is the antithesis of summer's warmth.
6. The optimist is the antithesis of a pessimist.

History and etymology of antithesis

The noun 'antithesis' has its roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek words 'anti,' meaning 'against' or 'opposite,' and 'thesis,' which means 'a setting' or 'a position.' In Greek rhetoric and philosophy, 'antithesis' referred to the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or words within a sentence or argument, creating a sharp contrast to emphasize their differences. Over time, the term 'antithesis' was adopted into English to describe a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else. The etymology of 'antithesis' underscores its historical association with the art of rhetoric and argumentation, where contrasting elements are used to highlight their opposition or difference, illustrating the concept of direct opposition or contrast.

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Further usage examples of antithesis

1. Black is the antithesis of white in the color spectrum.
2. In fashion, simplicity can be the antithesis of extravagance.
3. The antagonist is often the antithesis of the protagonist.
4. Freedom is the antithesis of oppression.
5. His loud personality is the antithesis of her quiet one.
6. The fast-paced city is the antithesis of a tranquil village.
7. In literature, the hero is the antithesis of the villain.
8. The dessert's sweetness is the antithesis of savory dishes.
9. Innovation can be the antithesis of tradition.
10. The night's darkness is the antithesis of daylight.
11. The mountain's grandeur is the antithesis of the flat plains.
12. The antithesis of love is indifference.
13. Her love for adventure is the antithesis of his caution.
14. The antique charm of the town is the antithesis of modernity.
15. The speech presented the antithesis of the government's policies.
16. The character's actions were the antithesis of what was expected of him.
17. The design was the antithesis of minimalism, with its intricate details and embellishments.
18. The proposal was the antithesis of the current regulations, calling for their complete abolition.
19. The poem's themes of love and hate are the antithesis of one another.
20. The novel's protagonist is the antithesis of the traditional hero.
21. The candidate's views on the economy were the antithesis of his opponent's.
22. The new plan is the antithesis of the old one, with completely different goals and strategies.
23. The concert was the antithesis of a traditional orchestral performance, with its electronic beats and unconventional instruments.
24. The statement was the antithesis of what was previously believed.
25. The philosophy of individualism is the antithesis of collectivism.