How Do You Spell ANTITHESIS?

Pronunciation: [antˈɪθəsˌɪs] (IPA)

Antithesis is a word often used in academic writing to describe the contrasting relationship between two ideas or concepts. The phonetic transcription for antithesis is /ænˈtɪθəsɪs/. This word is spelled with the prefix "anti-", meaning "opposite," and the suffix "-thesis", meaning "placing." These two elements together create a word that literally means "placing opposite," which aligns with the meaning of the word. When spelling antithesis, it's important to remember the silent "h" and the short "i" sound in the middle of the word.

ANTITHESIS Meaning and Definition

1. Antithesis is a literary, rhetorical, or philosophical device wherein contrasting ideas, words, or phrases are deliberately juxtaposed to create a sharp contrast, usually for the purpose of emphasizing a particular theme or idea. Derived from the Greek word "antitithenai," meaning "to set against," antithesis involves the arrangement of contrasting elements in a balanced or parallel structure, often in the form of two clauses or sentences.

   In literature, antithesis serves as a powerful tool to amplify the impact of a writer's message by presenting opposing concepts or ideas. This technique aims to highlight the inherent contradictions or sharp distinctions between two concepts, thus inviting readers to contemplate the truth or significance that arises from their interaction. For example, William Shakespeare's famous quote "To be, or not to be" from Hamlet employs antithesis by contrasting the ideas of existence and nonexistence, capturing the existential dilemma of the character.

   In rhetoric, antithesis is frequently employed to heighten the impact of arguments and speeches. By employing contrasting elements, be it through words, phrases, or concepts, speakers can emphasize their point and make it more memorable. By placing opposing ideas side by side, antithesis has the power to create a clear contrast and evoke strong emotional responses, enhancing the persuasive quality of the speaker's discourse.

   Overall, antithesis is a powerful literary tool used across various genres to convey contrasting ideas, provoke thought, enhance argumentation, and create impactful artistic effects.

2. Opposition or contrast in words or sentiments.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for ANTITHESIS *

• antithisis 30%
• antethesis 20%
• anthethesis 20%
• anthitesis 20%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ANTITHESIS

• anthithesis
• atithesis
• anithesis
• antithesist
• anesthesis
• antihesis
• zntithesis
• sntithesis
• antitheeis
• antitesis
• antitheis
• antithess
• antithesi
• antithasis
• anasthesis
• antithesim
• antilesis
• antithesize
• xaninthesis
• anthothesizing
• Antitstasis
• Antiihesised
• Antittemple
• Antythisis
• antehesis

Etymology of ANTITHESIS

The word "antithesis" is derived from the Greek word "antithesis", which means "opposition" or "contradiction". It is a combination of the Greek prefix "anti-" meaning "against" or "opposite", and the Greek word "thesis", meaning "a proposition" or "something set forth". The term "antithesis" literally refers to the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or words for rhetorical effect, which is reflected in its etymology.

Similar spelling words for ANTITHESIS

• antitrades,
• and others,
• Antitheses,
• antitrade,
• antithyroid,
• antithetical,
• antithesize,
• antitrust,
• antithesise,
• antitype,
• antithetic.

Plural form of ANTITHESIS is ANTITHESES