Figures of Speech – Antithesis
What is antithesis?
Antithesis is a figure of speech which refers to the juxtaposition of opposing or contrasting ideas. It involves the bringing out of a contrast in the ideas by an obvious contrast in the words, clauses, or sentences, within a parallel grammatical structure.
Examples:
These are examples of antithesis:
- “Man proposes, God disposes.” – Source unknown.
- “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.” – Goethe.
- “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong.
- “To err is human; to forgive divine.” – Alexander Pope.
- “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” – William Shakespeare.
- “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14.