| antithesis | |
| an-tith'-e-sis | from
Gk. anti “against” and thesis “a setting” or tithenai “to set, place” |
| contrarium | |
| contentio, comparatio | |
| contrast |
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Juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas (often, although not always, in parallel structure). | |
| This is closely related to the Topic of Invention: Contraries, and is sometimes known as the similarly named figure of thought, antitheton. | ||
| Examples | ||
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"It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues." —Abraham Lincoln "It can't be wrong if it feels so right" —Debbie Boone |
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| Related Figures | ||
| Related Topics of Invention | ||
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| Sources: | Ad Herennium 4.15.21 ("contentio"); Peacham (1577) K1r; Day 1599 92 ("antithesis," "contentio") | |
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