antithesis
1 of 1noun/ænˈtɪθəsɪs/
Forms:antitheses
1
the direct opposite or contrasting counterpart to something
- Dark is the antithesis of light, just as ignorance is the antithesis of knowledge.
- Whereas optimism sees possibilities, pessimism is more or less its antithesis of always anticipating the worst.
- Throughout his career, Dostoyevsky explored psychological antitheses like good vs evil, faith vs doubt.
2
a rhetorical device that places contrasting ideas or words in parallel structure to highlight their opposition and create a sense of balance
Antithesis is a rhetorical device that involves placing two opposing ideas or phrases next to each other to highlight their differences. This contrast helps to emphasize the distinct qualities of each idea. For example, in the phrase "Give me liberty, or give me death", the antithesis contrasts "liberty" with "death", emphasizing the speaker's strong choice between two extreme options. By setting these opposing ideas side by side, antithesis creates a more impactful and memorable statement.
- Shakespeare's "To be, or not to be" hinges on antithesis between existence and nonexistence
- The slogan "Live fast, die young" is a concise antithesis pairing life's thrill with its fragility.
- In her keynote she contrasted wealth and poverty—an antithesis that underscored economic inequality.
- The poem sets hope against despair in adjacent lines, employing antithesis to heighten emotion.
- His advertising catchphrase "Think small" is a classic antithesis that challenges consumer culture's obsession with size.