Word
antithesis
Phoneticsan·tithe·sis
US/ænˈtɪθəsəs/
UK/æntˈɪθəsˌɪs/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The quiet library is the antithesis of the noisy nightclub.”
“In many ways, the modern city is the antithesis of the peaceful countryside where he grew up.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“This could supply “an antithesis to its bustling, paved, rectangular, walled-in streets,” the planner Frederick Law Olmsted believed.” “Sex scenes in Youth are the antithesis of Hollywood gloss, hilarious and penetratingly insightful.” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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