I’m sharing this word today not so much because its meaning was new, but because it’s worthy of contemplation in the current atmosphere of fear and hostile rhetoric over terrorism, gun control, and immigration.
Yes, I’m breaking from popular wisdom and dipping my Word Nerd toes into the controversial waters of religion AND politics. I won’t deny I’m nervous.
For more thoughts on interesting, and perhaps less provocative, vocabulary, visit the Wondrous Words Meme over at Bermuda Onion.
The word that struck me during a news report last week is: antithetical.
Most leaders agree that violence is antithetical to the pro-life movement.
First of all, antithetical is fun to say. I love the staccato repeat of the t & c sound. Ta, ta, ta.
Here’s the meaning, thank you Merriam-Webster:
Antithetical: \ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl\ from the Greek antithetikós, equivalent to anti (ti) thé (nai) to set in opposition + -tikos
- Being in direct and unequivocal opposition
Some examples of antithetical:
- Pro Life champions exhibit antithetical behavior when they shoot people.
- Christians, who are supposed to love all as Jesus loves, use antithetical language when they speak of condemning an entire group for the actions of a few.
- Proponents of gun use make antithetical statements like “the solution to mass shootings is to make more guns available to more people”.
Word Nerd Workout
Please share an antithetical statement that you’ve heard recently. There are tons flying around out there these days. Or you can make up your own.
And in case you were wondering, I am a pro gun control, Pro Life Christian greatly confused and saddened by the hostility I’m observing in my world. As my friend Valerie challenged in her Bah Humbug post last week, now, more than ever, we must be the light. Cling to what is good and shine on, my friends.
Thanks for getting philosophical with me today!
Totally agree, Julia. Also agree with your commenters regarding Mr. Trump. sigh…
You said it beautifully Word Nerd. I totally agree with you.
I think many parents make an antithetical statement when they tell young children to stop crying or they’ll “give them something to cry about.” Clearly the child already has something to cry about or they wouldn’t be crying.
I worry about the world and our country and agree with you about guns. We’ve got to get a handle on things.
When I said “that’s too much cheese,” it was antithetical to my overall eating philosophy. (I steered clear of politics and religion!) I now need a snack.
Every time Donald Trump opens his mouth he says something antithetical to the decorum one expects of a US President.
Excellent use of antithetical. 😉
Your second example brings to mind Donald Trump’s recent call for a ban on all Muslims entering the US.