αντίθετος
Wordform Details
Translation: contraryoppositeadverse
Part of Speech: adjective
Inflection Type:
masculinesingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: αντίθετος
Translation: opposite; contrary; adverse; opposing (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἀντίθετος (antíthetos), from ἀντί (antí, 'against, opposite') + θετός (thetós, 'placed, set'), from τίθημι (títhēmi, 'to place, put'). The word literally means 'placed against' or 'set in opposition'. The English word 'antithesis' comes from the same Greek roots.
Example Usage
Έχω αντίθετη άποψη.
I have an opposite opinion.
Πήγε προς την αντίθετη κατεύθυνση.
He went in the opposite direction.
Είμαστε εντελώς αντίθετοι χαρακτήρες.
We are completely opposite characters.
Το αντίθετο του καλού είναι το κακό.
The opposite of good is bad.
Έχουμε αντίθετες απόψεις για το θέμα.
We have opposite views on the issue.
Είμαι αντίθετος σε αυτή την απόφαση.
I am opposed to this decision.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'anti-thesis' - a thesis that is against or opposite to another.
- The 'anti' part means 'against' in both English and Greek, making it easier to remember this means 'opposite'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in everyday speech and writing. In Greek culture, the concept of opposites (αντίθετα) is important in philosophical discussions, debates, and everyday reasoning.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'αντίθετος' means 'opposite', 'αντίστοιχος' means 'corresponding' or 'equivalent' - almost the opposite meaning.
Confused word:
Έχουμε αντίστοιχες θέσεις στις εταιρείες μας.
We have corresponding positions in our companies.
Notes: Both words start with 'αντί' but lead to very different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Αντίθετος' has 'θετ' which sounds like 'thesis' - think of opposing theses. 'Αντίστοιχος' has 'στοιχ' which sounds like 'stoich' as in 'stoichiometry' - think of matching elements.
Explanation: 'Αντίθετος' means 'opposite' in a general sense, while 'αντίστροφος' specifically means 'inverse' or 'reversed'.
Confused word:
Έκανε την αντίστροφη διαδρομή.
He took the reverse route.
Notes: 'Αντίστροφος' is often used in mathematical contexts for inverse relationships.
Mnemonic: Think of 'αντίστροφος' as related to 'strophe' (as in 'catastrophe') - a turning or reversal, while 'αντίθετος' is more broadly opposite.