Dictionary

antithetical

adjective an·ti·thet·i·cal \ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl\

: directly opposite or opposed

Full Definition of ANTITHETICAL

1
:  constituting or marked by antithesis
2
:  being in direct and unequivocal opposition
an·ti·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Variants of ANTITHETICAL

an·ti·thet·i·cal also an·ti·thet·ic \-ˈthe-tik\
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First Known Use of ANTITHETICAL

1583

Synonym Discussion of ANTITHETICAL

opposite, contradictory, contrary, antithetical mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict <opposite views on foreign aid>. contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid <made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall>. contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition <contrary assessments of the war situation>. antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition <a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy>.

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

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