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antithesis

noun/ænˈtɪθəˌsɪs/

definition

a contrast or opposition between two things

example

In literature, the themes of love and hate often serve as an antithesis, highlighting the complexities of human emotion.

synonyms
contrastoppositionreverse
word origin — From the Greek 'antithesis', meaning 'opposition' or 'contrast', from 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'thesis' meaning 'a placing' or 'a proposition'.

SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 316

Set 316 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: antithesis, predicament, ennui, chaff, catharsis. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. antithesis · noun/ænˈtɪθəˌsɪs/

    a contrast or opposition between two things

    In literature, the themes of love and hate often serve as an antithesis, highlighting the complexities of human emotion.

    Synonyms: contrast, opposition, reverse

    Origin: From the Greek 'antithesis', meaning 'opposition' or 'contrast', from 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'thesis' meaning 'a placing' or 'a proposition'.

  2. predicament · noun/prɪˈdɪkəmənt/

    a difficult or unpleasant situation

    After losing my job unexpectedly, I found myself in a financial predicament that I never anticipated.

    Synonyms: dilemma, plight, quandary

    Origin: from Latin 'praedicamentum', meaning 'category' or 'condition', derived from 'praedicare' which means 'to declare'

  3. ennui · noun/ɑnˈwi/

    a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement

    After finishing the book, she fell into a deep ennui, longing for something more stimulating to occupy her thoughts.

    Synonyms: boredom, tedium, dissatisfaction

    Origin: French, originating from 'ennuyer' which means 'to bore'.

  4. chaff · noun/tʃæf/

    the husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing

    After the harvest, the farmer separated the chaff from the grain, ensuring only the finest seeds remained.

    Synonyms: husk, refuse, waste

    Origin: Old English 'cæf', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'kaf' and German 'Kaffer'.

  5. catharsis · noun/kəˈθɑr.sɪs/

    the release of strong or repressed emotions often resulting in a feeling of purification or renewal

    After the intense therapy session, she experienced a profound sense of catharsis that helped her release years of pent-up grief.

    Synonyms: purification, release, emotional relief

    Origin: from Greek 'katharsis', meaning 'purification' or 'cleansing'