antithetical ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "antithetical ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe concepts or thoughts that are directly opposed or contradictory to each other. Example: "The debate centered around two antithetical ideas: freedom versus security."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In other words, the concerto, in whatever guise it assumes, reveals a continuing need to resolve the antithetical ideas of concord and contest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Democrat facing antithetical ideas could do likewise.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's just antithetical to the idea of sending out the Bookmobile in 1967".

Independent

Demolishing "a perfectly good building," Mr. Moe said, is "antithetical to the idea of sustainability".

The New York Times

I think that's antithetical to the idea of making it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Allowing cars there seems antithetical to the idea of keeping the park a refuge of calm in a city otherwise inundated with rumbling engines and lurching vehicles.

The New York Times

"Anything that separates people from their surroundings is antithetical to the idea of a public realm," said Jerold S. Kayden, professor of urban planning and design at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

The New York Times

But they propose allowing habeas corpus only for capital cases and when a prisoner can produce persuasive new evidence of innocence, an idea antithetical to our system of criminal jurisprudence.

The New York Times

Her voice is equally antithetical to the idea of "human-ness": she doesn't sing, she exhales, wills wisps, curlicues of breath, and somehow they get captured on tape before they disappear into the ether.

The Guardian - Music

Antithetical to the idea of accidental emergence, it is proposed that emergence is guided and anticipated.

Design Studies

The idea of reporting the result of your Bitcoin activity to your government, as you can imagine, is somewhat antithetical to the idea that Bitcoin works outside of the realm of state actors — how can it be unregulated if it is regulated?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "antithetical ideas" when you want to emphasize a fundamental opposition or contradiction between concepts. This phrase is stronger than simply saying "different ideas".

Common error

Avoid using "antithetical ideas" when the ideas are merely different or distinct. "Antithetical" implies a direct and irreconcilable conflict, not just a variation in perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "antithetical ideas" functions as a noun phrase, where "antithetical" is an adjective modifying the noun "ideas". Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "antithetical ideas" is used to describe concepts that are directly opposed or contradictory. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is suitable for formal writing and emphasizes a strong contrast between ideas. When using this phrase, ensure that the concepts truly represent an irreconcilable conflict, as "antithetical" suggests a stronger opposition than simply "different". Consider alternative phrases like "contradictory concepts" or "opposing viewpoints" depending on the specific context. The phrase is mostly frequent in news and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradictory concepts

Replaces "antithetical" with "contradictory", emphasizing the direct opposition between the ideas.

opposing viewpoints

Focuses on the differing perspectives rather than the inherent contradiction of the ideas themselves.

conflicting notions

Highlights the clash or disagreement between the ideas.

irreconcilable differences

Emphasizes the inability of the ideas to be brought into agreement.

diametrically opposed ideas

Adds emphasis to the direct and complete opposition of the ideas.

mutually exclusive concepts

Highlights that the acceptance of one idea precludes the acceptance of the other.

incompatible beliefs

Focuses on the clashing nature of the beliefs underlying the ideas.

antagonistic ideologies

Frames the ideas as competing systems of thought.

divergent perspectives

Highlights the difference in angles from which the ideas are viewed.

polar opposite views

Emphasizes that the views are as far apart as possible.

FAQs

How can I use "antithetical ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "antithetical ideas" to describe concepts that are directly opposed to each other. For example: "The political debate revolved around two "antithetical ideas": individual liberty versus collective responsibility."

What are some alternatives to saying "antithetical ideas"?

Alternatives include "contradictory concepts", "opposing viewpoints", or "conflicting notions" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "antithetical ideas" in formal writing?

Yes, "antithetical ideas" is suitable for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and relatively sophisticated phrase.

What's the difference between "antithetical ideas" and "different ideas"?

"Antithetical ideas" implies a direct and fundamental opposition, whereas "different ideas" simply suggests that the ideas are not the same. "Antithetical" carries a much stronger connotation of conflict and incompatibility.