Antithesis: Definition & Meaning for the SAT ⚖️

A workaholic, for better or worse, is the ANTITHESIS of a lazybones couch potato. What does this mean? Read on to learn all about it.

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Greetings, word whizzes

Today, we're learning the word antithesis. I fondly remember my young college friends using this word proudly. We'd rate it a solid 4 out of 5 on the difficulty scale. It's a must-know for those aiming for top SAT scores!

ℹ️ Part of speech of antithesis

antithesis is a NOUN. It's a count noun and can be used in both singular and plural forms.

🗣️ Pronunciation of antithesis

antithesis is pronounced /æn.ˈtɪθ.ə.sɪs/ or an-TITH-uh-sis.

📚️ Definition of antithesis

antithesis means the direct opposite or contrast of something. It's often used in literature and rhetoric to emphasize a point. Example: a vacation that was the antithesis of what I was hoping for.

📰 Examples

Here are some fancy examples of the word antithesis:

• In his famous speech, Martin Luther King Jr. used antithesis when he spoke of "justice rolling down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream" in contrast to the "valley of injustice" that existed.

• Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance was the antithesis of the violent revolutionary tactics employed by some of his contemporaries.

• In literature, the character of Dr. Jekyll represents the antithesis of Mr. Hyde, embodying the duality of human nature.

🧠 Quick vocab quiz on antithesis and past SAT words

Test yourself! New! I am including words from past SAT words. Hope you remember them all. If not, please see the previous SAT words.

1. The concept of utopia is often considered the antithesis of

A) paradise
B) heaven
C) nirvana
D) dystopia
E) euphoria

2. Which of the following situations best exemplifies an antithesis?

A) A tall student who excels in math
B) A politician who promises change, but maintains the status quo
C) An athlete who performs well in both individual and team sports
D) A very busy bookstore café
E) A cat named Pookie

3. Extort most nearly means to

A) praise excessively
B) distribute evenly
C) examine thoroughly
D) explain clearly
E) obtain by force or threat

4. The latter most nearly means

A) earlier
B) former
C) middle
D) second one of two
E) following the same order as

5. Obsequious most nearly means:

A) rebellious
B) indifferent
C) excessively compliant
D) honest
E) straightforward

Scroll down for the answer/s.

💁🏼 Tips on using the word antithesis correctly

When using antithesis in your writing, remember that it's not just about opposites, but about creating a strong contrast for emphasis. It's a powerful rhetorical device often used in speeches and literature. The plural form is "antitheses." Finally, the stress is on the second syllable, not the first. So try to avoid saying AN-tee-thee-sis.

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✅ Quiz answer/s

Answers:

1. D, dystopia

2. B, A politician who promises change but maintains the status quo

3. E, to obtain by force or threat

4. D, second one of two

5. C, excessively compliant

That's all for today's SAT word. If you found this helpful, please share it with your SAT amigos or leave a comment below. Keep expanding that vocabulary – it's the antithesis of being unprepared for the SAT!

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