antithesis
the exact opposite of something
A person, thing, or idea that is the direct opposite of another.
a clear contrast between two things
A strong contrast or opposition between two things, especially when they are placed side by side for effect.
a writing technique that contrasts ideas in a similar sentence pattern
A rhetorical device in which contrasting ideas are expressed in a balanced or parallel structure to make a point more striking.
an idea that is the opposite of another idea in a debate
In some philosophical or analytical frameworks, an idea that directly opposes another idea (often a thesis), especially as part of a process of argument or development.
- Base: antithesis
- Plural: antitheses
in antithesis to
1in contrast to
strongly different from
- In antithesis to earlier studies, this report finds no clear benefit.
- The character is portrayed as gentle, in antithesis to his reputation.
- Her conclusion stands in antithesis to the government’s claims.
set [something] in antithesis to [something]
1contrast two things directly
to compare two things as opposites
- The author sets duty in antithesis to desire throughout the novel.
- The article sets rural life in antithesis to city life to make its point.
- She set his words in antithesis to his actions.
the antithesis of
1the exact opposite of
to be the opposite of
- This plan is the antithesis of what we agreed on last week.
- She is the antithesis of her sister—quiet where her sister is loud.
- The new policy is the antithesis of transparency.
- This is the antithesis of my opinion.
the very antithesis of
1the complete opposite of
the total opposite of
- His private life was the very antithesis of his public image.
- The decision was the very antithesis of common sense.
- Her writing is the very antithesis of dull.
- This result is the very antithesis of what we wanted.
thesis and antithesis
1an idea and its opposite
an idea and the opposing idea
- The lecture explored thesis and antithesis as stages in dialectical argument.
- In his paper, he sets up thesis and antithesis before proposing a synthesis.
- They debated the thesis and antithesis without reaching agreement.