antithesis

[ an-tith-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural an·tith·e·ses [an-, tith, -, uh, -seez].

1. opposition; contrast:

   the antithesis of right and wrong.

2. the direct opposite (usually followed by of or to ):

   Her behavior was the very antithesis of cowardly.

   Synonyms: reverse, opposite

3. Rhetoric.
   1. the placing of a sentence or one of its parts against another to which it is opposed to form a balanced contrast of ideas, as in “Give me liberty or give me death.”
   2. the second sentence or part thus set in opposition, as “or give me death.”
4. Philosophy. Hegelian dialectic

antithesis

/ ænˈtɪθɪsɪs /

noun

1. the exact opposite
2. contrast or opposition
3. rhetoric the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, phrases, or words so as to produce an effect of balance, such as my words fly up, my thoughts remain below
4. philosophy the second stage in the Hegelian dialectic contradicting the thesis before resolution by the synthesis

Other Words From

• self-an·tithe·sis noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of antithesis¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin, from Greek: “opposition,” from anti(ti)thé(nai) “to oppose” + -sis -sis; equivalent to anti- + thesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of antithesis¹

C15: via Latin from Greek: a setting against, from anti- + tithenai to place

Example Sentences

After Anolik’s 2014 Vanity Fair profile of Babitz, the writer enjoyed a revival, and her books came back in print, showcasing an original voice that consciously or not, is the antithesis of Didion’s coolly detached reportage.

From Los Angeles Times

I would resist labeling the antithesis of the Black liberal tradition as a “white liberal tradition.”

From Salon

As the liberal antithesis to conservative dogma on abortion, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights, California is naturally poised to reprise the role the state played during the first Trump presidency as a GOP foil and protector of Democratic values.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact is, women understand the admonition to “vote, and if that doesn’t work out, we will just start terrorizing people” as both familiar and the very antithesis of freedom.

From Slate

An antithesis of everything you think a dumpling would be, it’s an homage to every Scorpionic being, to their dueling urges to be both loved and protected from others.

From Los Angeles Times