English Reference
Noun

antithesis

n.
C1 Advanced US /ænˈtɪθəsəs/ UK /æntˈɪθəsˌɪs/ an·tithe·sis Philosophy

n.the direct opposite of something. You use this when you want to show that two things are completely different from each other.

n.the direct opposite of something; a person or thing that is the exact opposite of another. Often used in philosophical or literary contexts to highlight a sharp contrast.


SIMPLE

The quiet library is the antithesis of the noisy nightclub.

CONTEXTUAL

In many ways, the modern city is the antithesis of the peaceful countryside where he grew up.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that the pursuit of wealth is the antithesis of true happiness, suggesting that material gain often leads to a loss of personal freedom.


Borrowed from Latin antithesis, itself a borrowing from Ancient Greek ἀντίθεσις (antíthesis). By surface analysis, anti- + thesis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek ἀντίθεσις
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated