antithesis
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “antithesis” mean?
noun.a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in passages discussing philosophical ideas, literary themes, or contrasting viewpoints. It emphasizes a stark contrast or opposition, highlighting the complexity of relationships between characters or concepts, and can differ from synonyms like "contradiction," which may not capture the nuanced balance of opposites.
Common Confusions
Antithesis implies a direct and striking opposition between concepts, while paradox usually suggests a seemingly contradictory statement that may reveal a deeper truth.
Example Sentences
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Kindness is the antithesis of cruelty.
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His calm demeanor was the antithesis of her fiery personality, creating a balance that often led to productive discussions.
Word Parts: How to Remember “antithesis”
Break “antithesis” into its parts: anti- (against). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
anti-against (Greek)