Antithetical
/ˌæn.tɪˈθɛt̬.ɪ.kəl/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Antithetical describes something that is the exact opposite of another thing. It is often used to show strong differences in ideas, opinions, or qualities that cannot easily exist together because they are so different.
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See It in Action
Being the exact opposite in ideas or qualities
- •His beliefs are antithetical to mine, so we often argue.
- •Freedom and slavery are antithetical concepts.
- •The new policy is antithetical to the company's previous values.
Expressing or showing strong opposition or contrast
- •Her calm behavior is antithetical to his angry outburst.
- •The design’s bright colors are antithetical to the dark theme of the event.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "antithetical" like "opposite," a simple A1 word, but stronger and more formal, meaning the things are completely against each other.
- ✓Picture two arrows pointing in exactly opposite directions, never meeting or agreeing.
- ✓It feels like when you strongly disagree with someone’s idea or when two things cannot be true at the same time.
- ✓Sounds like "anti-THET-ical" → imagine "anti" meaning against, and "thetical" like "thesis" (an idea), so it means against the idea.
- ✓Think of light and darkness in stories: they are antithetical because one is the complete opposite of the other.
- ✓NOT like "different" (which can be small or mild difference), antithetical means strong, direct opposition.
- ✓NOT like "contradictory" (which means one thing denies the other), antithetical is more about being completely opposite in nature or meaning.
- ✓NOT like "similar" or "related" — antithetical means no connection or agreement.
Try Other Words
- •Contrary: opposite in nature or meaning (Use when emphasizing disagreement or opposition)
- •Opposite: completely different or reverse (Use in simple or general contexts)
- •Conflicting: not agreeing or in conflict (Use when things cannot work together or agree)
- •Incompatible: unable to exist or work together (Use when two things cannot be combined)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "anti-" means "against" or "opposite"
- •Root: from Greek "thesis" meaning "position" or "idea"
- •Etymology: From Greek "antithetikos," meaning "opposed" or "set against"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe ideas or things placed against each other
- •Modern usage: Used in formal speech or writing to describe strong opposition or contrasts, especially in ideas, beliefs, or qualities
Reflect & Connect
•Can two things be antithetical but still work together somehow? How?
•How does knowing the word antithetical help you understand strong disagreements in conversations or stories?
Fill in the blanks
1.His opinion was antithetical ___ the group's plan, so they had to discuss more.
2.When two ideas are antithetical, they usually cannot ___ well together.
3.The colors red and green are often seen as antithetical ___ each other in design.
4.She acted in a way that was antithetical ___ her usual calm personality.
5.Antithetical views often cause ___ because people strongly disagree.
6.Unlike small differences, antithetical means a ___ or complete opposition.
7.The phrase "antithetical to" is often used when talking ___ ideas or beliefs.