Question

What is the opposite of “epitome”?

Answer 1

Hint: Opposites words are pairs of words that have completely a contrast meaning.
These opposite pairs of words are also called “antonyms”.

Complete answer:
The word ‘epitome’ refers to a person or a thing that is the perfect example of a quality or a characteristic. For example, She is the epitome of elegance. It means that the subject in this sentence is the perfect example of being elegant.

Another meaning of the word ‘epitome’ is a ‘summary’. It comes from the Greek word ‘epitemnein’ which means to cut short. It refers to a miniature form of a larger original work and is used as a synonym of embodiment.

The opposite of the word ‘epitome’ is the antithesis. Antithesis refers to a person who is the complete opposite of a given characteristic. For example, She is the antithesis of elegance. It means that the subject is the complete opposite of elegance, or the subject is not elegant at all.

Antithesis also has another meaning. It also refers to a piece in a speech or in writing when two opposite things or scenarios are introduced together to create a sense of contrast. It is used to strengthen the argument by using simply opposite ideas and making oneself clear. According to Aristotle, it makes the audience better understand the points made by the speaker.

Note: Few more similarities for epitome and antithesis:
- Other words similar to ‘epitome’ are embodiment, personification, incarnation, prototype, zenith, essence etc.
- Other words similar to ‘antithesis’ are converse, reverse, reversal, inverse, obverse, etc.