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Synonyms and antonyms of antithesis in English
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Definition of antithesis
Did you know.
Writers and speechmakers use the traditional pattern known as antithesis for its resounding effect; John Kennedy's famous "ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country" is an example. But antithesis normally means simply "opposite". Thus, war is the antithesis of peace, wealth is the antithesis of poverty, and love is the antithesis of hate. Holding two antithetical ideas in one's head at the same time—for example, that you're the sole master of your fate but also the helpless victim of your terrible upbringing—is so common as to be almost normal.
Examples of antithesis in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antithesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Late Latin, from Greek, literally, opposition, from antitithenai to oppose, from anti- + tithenai to set — more at do
1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1b(1)
Dictionary Entries Near antithesis
anti-theoretical
Cite this Entry
“Antithesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antithesis. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
Kids definition of antithesis, more from merriam-webster on antithesis.
Nglish: Translation of antithesis for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of antithesis for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about antithesis
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