antithetical relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "antithetical relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship between two concepts, ideas, or entities that are directly opposed or contradictory to each other. Example: "The antithetical relationship between freedom and control is a central theme in many philosophical discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Earth, Planets and Space

Huffington Post

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Encyclopedia Britannica

SEP

The New York Times

The New Yorker

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

On the other hand, for the Shionohira and Idosawa faults antithetical relationships are presented, maybe suggesting that large normal faultings have been infrequent historically.

Earth, Planets and Space

In this way, compersion is antithetical to how we view relationships and expect to operate in them.

Huffington Post

Ideally, these friendships should make women feel accepted and secure, but many women report that they feel obligated to a friend, despite the fact that the relationship is unhealthy and antithetical to what they hoped for.

Huffington Post

Several descriptions and criteria for disorders of attachment exist for young children, but consensus is emerging that there is a small group of children who fail to develop specific attachment relationships or show behaviours antithetical to maintaining specific attachments, due to the pathogenic environment in which they grow up [ 4, 40- 44].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

In popular usage, the modern non-Buddhist connotations of the word Zen have become so prominent that in many cases the term is used as a label for phenomena that lack any relationship to Zen or are even antithetical to its teachings and practices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This close relationship might lead one to assume that self-deception is antithetical to intellectual integrity because it undermines the kind of self-knowledge, such as knowledge of our intellectual strengths and capacities, necessary to such reflection.

SEP

What is most stirring about "True Grit" today — besides the primal father-daughter relationship that blossoms between Rooster and Mattie — is its unalloyed faith in values antithetical to those of the 21st century America so deftly skewered, as it happens, in "The Social Network".

The New York Times

In a letter, he wrote, "Not only was I not aware of any students who had a physical or sexual relationship with him either during my time at Horace Mann or at Columbia, but the entertainment of this concept is antithetical to the man I know now for almost half a century".

The New Yorker

They represent antithetical views.

The New York Times

Stylistically, they are antithetical.

The Guardian

Thoughts antithetical to desires?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "antithetical relationship" to describe situations where two elements are fundamentally opposed or incompatible. Consider if a simpler term like "conflicting relationship" is more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "antithetical relationship" when you simply mean "different" or "distinct". "Antithetical" implies a direct opposition or contradiction, not just a lack of similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "antithetical relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where "antithetical" modifies the noun "relationship". It describes a specific type of relationship characterized by direct opposition or contradiction. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase and offers usage examples, although they are somewhat limited.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "antithetical relationship" is used to describe a connection marked by fundamental opposition or contradiction. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, but its usage is relatively formal and uncommon. This phrase is most frequently seen in news, media and scientific contexts. For clearer communication in less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "conflicting relationship" or "opposing relationship". Be mindful that "antithetical" implies a stronger contradiction than simply "different".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposite relationship

This alternative emphasizes the direct opposition between the elements in the relationship.

conflicting relationship

This phrase highlights the presence of conflict or discord within the relationship.

contradictory relationship

This alternative stresses the logical inconsistency between the elements in the relationship.

incompatible relationship

This phrase indicates that the elements in the relationship cannot coexist harmoniously.

hostile relationship

This alternative describes a relationship marked by antagonism or unfriendliness.

inverse relationship

Highlights that the relationship has a reverse effect.

opposed relationship

This phrase emphasizes the direct opposition between the elements in the relationship.

reverse relationship

Highlights that the relationship has a reverse effect.

inimical relationship

This phrase describes a relationship that tends to obstruct or harm.

discordant relationship

This alternative emphasizes the lack of harmony and agreement in the relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "antithetical relationship" to describe when two concepts, ideas, or entities are directly opposed. For example, "The "antithetical relationship" between freedom and control is a central theme in many philosophical discussions."

What is a simpler alternative to "antithetical relationship"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "conflicting relationship", "opposing relationship", or "incompatible relationship" may be more suitable.

What does "antithetical" actually mean?

"Antithetical" means directly opposed or mutually exclusive. It implies a fundamental contradiction, not just a difference. Make sure the elements you are describing are truly opposites.

Is "antithetical relationship" a formal or informal phrase?

"Antithetical relationship" is more formal and less common. In informal contexts, phrases like "opposite relationship" or "conflicting relationship" may be preferable.