Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AN-TITH'E-SIS, n. [Gr. αντιθεσις, of αντι and θεσις, from τιθημι, to place.]

1. In rhetoric, an opposition of words or sentiments; contrast; as, “When our vices leave us, we flatter ourselves we leave them.” “The prodigal robs his heir, the miser robs himself.” “Excess of ceremony shows want of breeding.” “Liberty with laws, and government without oppression.”
2. Opposition of opinions; controversy. – Encyc.