An Antithesis is commonly used in everyday speech, literature, poetry, short stories, plays, and more. This rhetorical device can be employed in various ways to achieve different effects. This blog provides everything you need to know about the figure of speech known as antithesis, including its meaning, definition, usage, examples, and practice exercises.
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Antithesis figure of speech that juxtaposes two ideas that are in stark contrast to one another. It often comprises compound sentence, typically separated by a comma or a semicolon between the two independent clauses. An antithesis can also be a compound sentence with a conjunction, though this is less common. This device is primarily used to emphasise the significant contrast between two opposing viewpoints.
The antithesis meaning derives from a Greek root meaning "opposition" and "set against." It is frequently used to describe two concepts or expressions that are strongly opposed to each other.
Antithesis Definition:
- According to the Cambridge Dictionary, "an antithesis is a difference or opposition between two things."
- According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, "antithesis is a contrast between two things."
These definition of antithesis from popular dictionaries illustrate the meaning of this figure of speech.
Here are some of the most common examples of antithesis figure of speech for your reference:
1. Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
2. That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.
3. Speech is silver, but silence is gold.
4. Money is the root of all evil; poverty is the fruit of all goodness.
5. That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.
6. Easy come, easy go.
7. Love is an ideal thing; marriage is a real thing.
8. Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
9. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
10. Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.
These are antithesis figure of speech examples for your reference.
Antithesis, as a rhetorical device, utilises parallel structure to contrast two opposing ideas, making the contrast clearer and more impactful. It is often found in speeches and writing to emphasise key concepts and create a memorable effect. Here’s how you can create impactful speech or writing by using antithesis in a sentence, look below:
Take a look at the examples below for better understanding:
Understood how you can use antithesis figure of speech impactfuly in your writing and speech.
Underline the antithesis components in the following statements:
1. You are easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart.
2. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
3. We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
4. To be idle is a short road to death; to be diligent is a way of life.
5. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
6. Many are called, but few are chosen.
7. Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
8. You’re never too old to learn, but you're never too young to teach.
9. Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.
10. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Answers:
1. You are easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart.
2. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
3. We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
4. To be idle is a short road to death; to be diligent is a way of life.
5. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
6. Many are called, but few are chosen.
7. Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
8. You’re never too old to learn, but you're never too young to teach.
9. Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.
10. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
In conclusion, this blog discusses the concept of the antithesis figure of speech. After reading this, you should have a clear understanding of what antithesis is, its uses, examples, definition, and meaning, along with an exercise to practice. However, if you are still having difficulty using this figure of speech, you can contact our experts at Gradding for assistance. Our experts provide the best guidance and education to candidates.
1. What Is an Antithesis Figure of Speech?
An antithesis figure of speech presents contrasting ideas in a balanced structure, often using parallel phrasing to emphasise the opposition. It highlights a stark contrast between two ideas, making the statement more impactful.
2. What Is the Difference Between Antithesis and Oxymoron?
The difference between antithesis and oxymoron is that antithesis involves two contrasting ideas conveyed in independent clauses placed in juxtaposition, separated by a comma, semicolon, or conjunction. In contrast, an “oxymoron” uses two opposite words within a phrase to create a specific effect.
3. What Is the Principle of Antithesis?
The principle of antithesis, in both literary and philosophical contexts, emphasises the differences between ideas to highlight a specific point. It involves presenting two opposing ideas, phrases, or clauses side by side to create a stronger effect and enhance understanding.
4. What Are 5 Examples of Antithesis?
In the antithesis figure of speech, contrasting and opposing ideas are presented in parallel structure to create a stronger impact. Here are some antithesis example for your better understanding:
5. What Is the Law of Antithesis?
The "law of antithesis" is not a formal legal term; rather, it is a concept used in rhetoric and literature to describe the contrast between two opposing ideas or statements within a balanced grammatical structure.
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