20+ Anti Thesis Examples – Meaning and Best Practical Examples

In this blog post, we will be discussing about anti-thesis with some of the best anti thesis examples and how these statements are used.

So let’s start with what actually is an antithesis.

What is Antithesis?

Antithesis is a Greek Word meaning opposite or contrast. Antitheses are phrases or concepts that are opposite to each other or have opposite or contradicting meanings.

For example,

Love is the antithesis of hate. 

Happy is the antithesis to Sad.

Heaven is the antithesis to Hell. Etc.

In literature, Antithesis refers to the use of opposite or contrasting concepts or ideas in a parallel grammatical structure. This means to use these two opposite ideas in a single sentence to show the difference between these two ideas.

Antithesis is used by writers and politicians to create a figurative language that enhances, exaggerates, and adds vision to their writings and speeches, and to contrast opposing ideas in a balanced way.

It can show which idea is better by just placing them side-by-side and make the reader analyze with the statement.

Here are some of the best Antithesis statements from different speeches, books, and writings talking about different aspects of life, love, poetry, feelings, discrimination, etc.

Antithesis in Books and Films

Antithesis by William Shakespeare in Hamlet

 One of the best examples of antithesis could be William Shakespeare‘s famous line in Hamlet: 

“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” – William Shakespeare

This can be considered as one of the great examples of antithesis as it presents two contrasting things, listening and speaking in the same structure.

Antithesis by Charles Dickens – A Tale of Two Cities

 “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.” – Charles Dickens

Antithesis by John Milton – Paradise Lost

This antithesis compares two contrasting ideas of Heaven and Hell and tells that It is better to be free in hell than to be a slave in heaven.

 “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav’n.” – John Milton

Antithesis by Aristotle

“Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit.” – Aristotle

Antithesis in Speeches and Others

Antithesis in I have a Dream Speech by Martin Luther King

In a speech ‘I have a dream’, Martin Luther King compares the current situation faced by the Black community to what he dreams the situation could be.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King

Antithesis by Goethe

“Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.”  – Goethe.

Antithesis by Neil Armstrong

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

Antithesis by Alexander Pope

This phrase explains that making mistakes is a natural aspect of being human. But, if you want to rise above humanity, you’ll have to learn to forgive each other.

“To err is human; to forgive divine.” – Alexander Pope.

Antithesis by Abraham Lincoln – The Gettysburg Address

 “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” – Abraham Lincoln

Antithesis by Matthew

“Many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew

Antithesis by Abraham Lincoln

Antithesis excerpt from Pres. Abraham Lincoln’s speech:

“When there is need of silence, you speak, and when there is need of speech, you are dumb. When you are present, you wish to be absent, and when absent, you desire to be present. In peace you are for war, and in war you long for peace. In council you descant on bravery, and in the battle you tremble.” – Abraham Lincoln

Antithesis by Martin Luther King

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King

Antithesis by John F. Kennedy Jr

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” – John F. Kennedy Jr.

Antithesis by Barak Obama

“We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” – Barak Obama

Antithesis by Abraham Lincoln

“Folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” – Abraham Lincoln

Antithesis by Samuel Johnson

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” – Samuel Johnson

Antithesis by Jack London

“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dryrot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” – Jack London

Antithesis by Shantideva

“All the joy the world contains has come through wishing happiness for others. All the misery the world contains has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.” – Shantideva

Antithesis in Music

Here are some of the song lyrics which have used antithesis to perfection.

Antithesis in Music – 1

“You’re easy on the eyes
Hard on the heart.” – Terri Clark

Antithesis in Music – 2

“It’s never too soon.
It’s never too late.” – Bethany Joy Lenz

Antithesis in Music – 3

“And even though the sun is shining
Well, I feel the rain.” – Roger Hodgson

Antithesis in Music – 4

“Give me some sunshine
Give me some rain” – Swanand Kirkire

Anti Thesis Examples by Others

Antithesis Example by Unknown

“Man proposes, God disposes.” – Unknown.

Antithesis by Muhammed Ali

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”  – Muhammed Ali

This famous statement by Muhammad Ali displays two contrasting animal actions: a silent (floating) butterfly and an aggressive (sting) bee.

Anti Thesis Examples by Unknown -2

 “Speech is silver, but silence is gold.” – Unknown

It shows the contrasting qualities of speech versus silence and compares it to silver versus gold.

Antithesis Example by Unknown -3

 “Rude words bring about sadness, but kind words inspire joy.” – Unknown

This phrase shows us the differences between rude and kind and between sadness and joy.

Antithesis Example by Unknown -4

“Money is the root of all evil: poverty is the fruit of all goodness.” – Unknown

A lot of writers and politicians use antithesis for their writing and speeches and there are plenty of examples of antithesis. These are some of the most famous antitheses. And you can find plenty more if you look into different books and listen to the speeches of politicians. All you need to do is focus on each word and you will come across a lot of them.