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Webster 1913 Edition

Antithesis

An-tith′e-sis

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Antitheses
.
[L., fr. Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to set against, to oppose;
ἀντί
against + [GREEK] to set. See
Thesis
.]
1.
(Rhet.)
An opposition or contrast of words or sentiments occurring in the same sentence; as, “The prodigal robs his heir; the miser robs himself.” “He had covertly shot at Cromwell; he how openly aimed at the Queen.”
2.
The second of two clauses forming an antithesis.
3.
Opposition; contrast.

Webster 1828 Edition

Antithesis

ANTITH'ESIS

,
Noun.
[Gr. from, to place.]
1.
In rhetoric, an opposition of words or sentiments; contrast; as, 'When our vices leave us, we flatter ourselves we leave them.' 'The prodigal robs his heir, the miser robs himself.' 'Excess of ceremony shows want of breeding.' Liberty with laws, and government without oppression.'
2.
Opposition of opinions; controversy.

Definition 2024

antithesis

antithesis

English

Noun

antithesis ‎(plural antitheses)

  1. A proposition that is the diametric opposite of some other proposition.
  2. (rhetoric) A device by which two contrasting ideas are juxtaposed in parallel form.

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀντί ‎(antí, “against”) + θέσις ‎(thésis, “position”). Surface analysis anti- +‎ thesis.

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /ænˈtɪ.θə.sɪs/
Examples (rhetoric)

Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address (1863)
The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

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