antithesis means A proposition that is the diametric opposite of some other proposition.
antithesis is pronounced /ænˈtɪθ.ɪ.sɪs/.
Why “antithesis” is a great word
A rhetorical figure or idea that is the direct and diametrical opposite of another, typically arranged in parallel structure to heighten the contrast. From the Latin antithesis, itself from Ancient Greek ἀντίθεσις (antíthesis), from ἀντί (antí, "against") + θέσις (thésis, "a placing, proposition"), first attested in English c. 1520s in a rhetorical context. Unlike "epitome," which presents a perfect embodiment of a quality, or "converse," which denotes a reversed logical relationship, antithesis is opposition forged in symmetry for intellectual and emotional force. It is the crisp, structural clash of "best of times" against "worst of times"; the stark moral parallel of "give me liberty or give me death"; the quiet, cosmic opposition of a single candle flame asserting itself against the enveloping darkness. The mind grasps each side more sharply for the violence of their juxtaposition—proof that meaning, like matter, requires friction to ignite.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin antithesis, itself a borrowing from Ancient Greek ἀντίθεσις (antíthesis). By surface analysis, anti- + thesis.
noun
- A proposition that is the diametric opposite of some other proposition.
- A device by which two contrasting ideas are juxtaposed in parallel form; a figure of speech arranged in this mannere.g.“Antithesis, opposing things to things,
Oft from the contrast strength and beauty brings.”
- The second stage of a dialectical process in which the thesis is negated.
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- antithet 89% match — An antithetical or contrasted statement. vs antithesis →
- antimetabole 88% match — The technique of repeating a phrase while reversing the order of certain elements or its grammatical structure, as a form of juxtaposition. vs antithesis →
- enantiosis 88% match — A figure of speech by which what is to be understood affirmatively is stated negatively, and vice versa; affirmation by contraries. vs antithesis →
- antistasis 87% match — The repetition of a word in an opposing sense. vs antithesis →
- oxymoron 87% match — A figure of speech in which two words or phrases with opposing meanings are used together intentionally for effect. vs antithesis →
- syncrisis 87% match — A figure of speech in which opposite things, people etc. are compared. vs antithesis →
- chiasmus 86% match — An inversion of the relationship between the elements of phrases. vs antithesis →
- litotes 86% match — A figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite. vs antithesis →