Figures of Contrast Vocabulary

juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times—Dickens's antithesis.”

Origin: Greek `antithesis` (opposition), from `anti-` (against) + `tithenai` (to place)

reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases

“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

Origin: Greek `chiasmos` (crossing), from `chi`, the letter X, representing the cross shape

combining contradictory terms for effect

“Parting is such sweet sorrow—Shakespeare's oxymoron.”

Origin: Greek `oxymoros` (pointedly foolish), from `oxys` (sharp) + `moros` (dull, foolish)

a seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth

“The only thing I know is that I know nothing—Socratic paradox.”

Origin: Greek `paradoxon` (contrary to expectation), from `para-` (beyond) + `doxa` (opinion)

affirmation through double negative or understatement

“She's not unattractive—litotes suggesting she's quite beautiful.”

Origin: Greek `litotes` (plainness, simplicity), from `litos` (plain, small)

repetition of words in reverse order

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Origin: Greek `antimetabole` (turning about), from `anti-` (opposite) + `metabole` (change)