antithesis
/æn.ˈtɪ.θə.sɪs/
Group 10Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else GRE
Example in Context
The minimalist design aesthetic of the new headquarters was the antithesis of the ornate Victorian building it replaced.
Synonyms
oppositecontrastreverse
Etymology
Placing against — something that stands in direct opposition.
- anti- (Greek) — against
- thesis (Greek) — placing
Memory Aid
📄Sounds like “a tin thesis”
A TIN THESIS paper argues that cats and dogs are complete opposites — pure ANTI-thesis!
Visual Association
⚖️A scale balancing a cat on one side and a dog on the other, highlighting their oppositeness.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “antithesis” mean on the GRE?
antithesis (noun) means “A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else”. The minimalist design aesthetic of the new headquarters was the antithesis of the ornate Victorian building it replaced.
How to remember “antithesis” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “antithesis” sounds like “a tin thesis”. A TIN THESIS paper argues that cats and dogs are complete opposites — pure ANTI-thesis!
What are synonyms for “antithesis”?
Common synonyms: opposite, contrast, reverse.